Shakeel and Rizwan Anchor Pakistan After Seales’ Triple Strike in Multan
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan struck unbeaten half-centuries to rescue Pakistan after a devastating spell from West Indies pacer Jayden Seales on the opening day of the first Test in Multan. Pakistan ended the day at 143-4, recovering from a precarious 46-4 to regain stability thanks to a gritty 97-run partnership between Shakeel (56*) and Rizwan (51*).
Seales Rattles Pakistan’s Top Order
Seales was the standout bowler on a surface expected to favor spin, finishing with 3-21. He dismissed debutant Mohammad Hurraira (6), Kamran Ghulam (5), and captain Babar Azam (8), exploiting the conditions with pace and movement. Hurraira edged a delivery to debutant wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach, while Ghulam fell lbw to a seaming delivery. Babar’s dismissal, after a successful edge to the keeper, left Pakistan in deep trouble at 46-4.
Seales expressed confidence in his post-play interview: “There’s always something in the pitch for bowlers. It’s about bowling good balls for as long as possible. I think 250-odd would be a good score on this pitch.”
Rizwan and Shakeel Lead the Fightback
Facing immense pressure, Shakeel and Rizwan steadied Pakistan’s innings with a cautious yet calculated approach. They nullified the West Indies’ pacers and deftly handled the spinners, particularly left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who dismissed Shan Masood early on.
After tea, the duo shifted gears, with Shakeel sweeping Kevin Sinclair for boundaries and Rizwan using his feet to disrupt the spinners. Their partnership injected momentum into Pakistan’s innings, with Rizwan particularly aggressive in his shot-making, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
A Delayed Start and Early Challenges
The match began four hours late due to heavy fog that engulfed the ground, with floodlights required throughout the day. Pakistan opted to bat first in hazy conditions, but the decision appeared to backfire early on as Seales and Motie dismantled the top order.
A Promising End to the Day
Despite a difficult start, Pakistan’s recovery left them in a more stable position heading into Day 2. Both Shakeel and Rizwan displayed composure and skill, fending off a probing West Indies attack. The visitors, though, remained a threat, consistently beating the outside edge and creating chances throughout the day.
Play was halted prematurely due to poor light midway through Kraigg Brathwaite’s over, leaving Pakistan with plenty to ponder but also reasons for optimism.
Looking Ahead
With Shakeel and Rizwan settled at the crease, Pakistan will look to build on their recovery and push towards a competitive first-innings total. For the West Indies, early wickets on Day 2 will be crucial to keeping the pressure on and preventing Pakistan from taking full control of the match.
