Pakistan vs. West Indies: Fog Delays Start as PAK chose to bat

Tags: West Indies tour of Pakistan 2025,
Pakistan vs West Indies, 1st Test at Karachi, Jan 17-21, 2025,
Pakistan,
West Indies

Published on: Jan 17, 2025

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The second Test between Pakistan and West Indies began on a unique note as thick fog delayed the start by four hours. Scheduled for a 9:30 AM kick-off in Multan, the match finally commenced at 1:30 PM. Despite the shortened opening day, excitement filled the air as both teams made tactical adjustments to capitalize on the conditions.

Fog, Delays, and Tactical Adjustments

Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first on a dry-looking wicket expected to favor spinners. Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, emphasized the importance of adapting to home conditions. “We have to think about making ourselves tough to beat at home,” Masood stated. His words hinted at Pakistan’s strategy to prepare varied pitches suited to their strengths, although this plan hasn’t always materialized.

Pakistan’s playing XI reflects their spin-heavy approach, fielding three specialist spinners—Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed. Additionally, Muhammad Hurraira, making his Test debut, was tasked with opening the batting alongside Masood.

Debuts and Challenges for West Indies

West Indies also opted for a spin-dominant attack, with Gudakesh Motie, Jomel Warrican, and Kevin Sinclair in their XI. The visitors, however, faced setbacks ahead of the match. Vice-captain Joshua da Silva was dropped, while Kemar Roach was ruled out due to illness. In their place, batter Tevin Imlach was handed his Test debut and will take up wicketkeeping duties.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite acknowledged the significance of this series as the final one for both teams in the current World Test Championship cycle. With pride and WTC points on the line, both teams are expected to play hard-fought cricket.

Team Lineups

Pakistan XI:Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Hurraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad

West Indies XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales

The Stakes

This match is more than just another Test; it’s a critical encounter as both teams wrap up their World Test Championship campaigns. Pakistan will aim to make their spin advantage count, while West Indies, despite their challenges, will seek to spoil the hosts’ plans.

With the delayed start, fans will hope for uninterrupted action as the series promises a fascinating contest between two contrasting styles of cricket. As the first ball is bowled on a foggy afternoon in Multan, all eyes are set on how these teams adapt to the conditions and rise to the occasion.