Shakeel and Rizwan Shine in Multan to Steady Pakistan

In a gripping day of Test cricket, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan brought Pakistan back into contention after a fiery spell from West Indies pacer Jayden Seales had the visitors in command early on in Multan. Despite a surface tailored for spin, it was Seales’ pace and sharp seam movement that turned the tide initially, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 46 for 4. However, a resilient unbeaten partnership of 97 runs between Rizwan and Shakeel ensured Pakistan ended the day on a stronger note.

Seales’ Early Fireworks

The day began under challenging conditions, with heavy fog delaying the start by four hours. Pakistan, opting to bat first under floodlights, quickly found themselves on the back foot. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie struck early, removing captain Shan Masood. But it was Seales who stole the spotlight, dismissing debutant Mohammad Hurraira, Kamran Ghulam, and the prized scalp of Babar Azam in quick succession.

• Hurraira’s dismissal: An edged delivery to the keeper.
• Ghulam’s misjudgment: A stunning delivery that nipped back to trap him lbw.
• Babar’s departure: A perfectly pitched seaming delivery kissed the edge and left Pakistan teetering.

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Shakeel and Rizwan’s Counterattack

At 46 for 4, the hosts seemed destined for collapse, but Shakeel and Rizwan had other plans. Shakeel’s composure on spinning tracks and Rizwan’s unwavering focus steadied the innings. Post-tea, the pair turned the tide, with Shakeel sweeping Kevin Sinclair for a boundary to spark a momentum shift. The duo expertly rotated the strike and found gaps, adding seven boundaries in just six overs.

Rizwan, always alert and aggressive, used his feet against spin, ensuring West Indies couldn’t settle. Shakeel, meanwhile, reached his half-century with measured precision, followed closely by Rizwan. Their partnership not only frustrated the visitors but also tilted the game back in Pakistan’s favor.

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Challenges for the West Indies

While West Indies continued to probe, with deliveries narrowly missing the outside edge and half-chances falling short, they couldn’t capitalize. As the light faded, the umpires took out the light meter midway through Kraigg Brathwaite’s over, ending the day’s play. By then, Pakistan had wrestled control from what looked like an irreparable situation.

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Day’s Summary

• Star Performer: Jayden Seales’ opening spell, claiming 3 wickets with remarkable skill.
• Key Moment: Rizwan and Shakeel’s counteroffensive after tea, which turned the game around.
• Current Situation: Pakistan, from a dire position, clawed their way back to a competitive stance.

With day two set to resume under clearer skies, all eyes will be on whether Shakeel and Rizwan can extend their partnership and lead Pakistan to a commanding total. For West Indies, a quick breakthrough will be crucial to regain momentum.