Watch cricket video highlights of West Indies tour of Pakistan 2025. Second Test between Pakistan and West Indies. Venue of the match will be Multan.
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The West Indies are getting closer to leveling the series, having kept Pakistan to 76 for 4 at the end of day two in Multan. The hosts still require another 178 runs to secure victory. Previously, the West Indies showcased their strongest batting display of the series, highlighted by a half-century from captain Kraigg Brathwaite, which allowed them to seize the initiative. They further cemented their advantage as the lower order contributed several valuable runs.
During the 24 overs the West Indies bowled in the final session, they delivered four significant blows, including a crucial last-minute wicket of Babar Azam, prompting nightwatchman Kashif Ali to come to the crease. Facing a daunting target made even more difficult by the nature of the pitch, Pakistan encountered early challenges. In a mere 16 deliveries, both openers faltered. Shan Masood was dismissed lbw while attempting to play for turn against Kevin Sinclair, with the ball continuing on with the arm and striking his front pad.
Mohammad Hurraira also fell victim to a similar mistake, playing for an illusory spin against Gudakesh Motie, which resulted in an easy lbw decision. Babar and Kamran Ghulam managed to calm Pakistan’s initial nerves by slowly rebuilding from a rocky start, although Ghulam was fortunate not to be dismissed after being dropped on his eighth ball. The pair temporarily switched focus to ensuring their stability rather than scoring runs, allowing time to settle in.
As Babar’s innings progressed, he began to look increasingly assured, and his continued presence felt pivotal to the match outcome. However, their partnership ended when Ghulam misjudged a delivery from Jomel Warrican, hitting it into the air towards backward point. This marked the beginning of another rebuilding phase. With Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s most adept player against spin, at the other end, the two were managing to navigate their way through to the day’s conclusion. Yet, Sinclair delivered what felt like a potentially decisive blow at that point.
With added bounce and a touch more turn, Babar’s inside edge deflected off his pad and was caught at short leg. The West Indies’ somewhat wild celebrations underscored the importance of the moment. Brathwaite had urged his team to adopt a more aggressive stance, and he exemplified this approach. The tempo was established as he drove Sajid Khan over long-on for six in the fifth over, followed by consecutive boundaries at the start of Noman Ali’s over.
This signaled that the spin duo would find it challenging, and Brathwaite maintained that aggressive mindset both in his batting and defense. Abrar Ahmed also witnessed his second delivery hit through midwicket for four. Conversely, Mikyle Louis, Brathwaite’s opening partner, did not exhibit similar positivity and comfort. This allowed Pakistan to re-enter the match: they coaxed Louis into an ill-advised shot to the offside, leading to an easy catch for Shan Masood at short extra cover. Debutant Amir Jangoo, however, mirrored his captain’s proactive style.
Brathwaite sent a six over long-on against Noman but found himself slowing down as he neared his half-century. Jangoo, on the other hand, continued to score quickly, and his two boundaries off Abrar in a single over indicated that the West Indies, in complete control, were edging their lead closer to three figures. Pakistan’s spinners were turning the tide in their favor. Brathwaite managed to survive two close calls off consecutive deliveries with successful reviews.
But was dismissed the following over while attempting to charge at Noman, getting beaten by significant turn. His dismissal mirrored the one that would soon claim Kavem Hodge just before lunch. Meanwhile, Sajid was also making an impact. He got rid of Jangoo shortly after Brathwaite’s dismissal, as Jangoo attempted a risky sweep, misjudging the delivery’s flight. The ball faintly touched the bottom of his bat and went to slip, leaving the West Indies with two new batsmen at the crease. Just before lunch, Pakistan struck again for the fifth time.
Noman bowled the ball into the footmarks, turning it sharply into Alick Athanaze’s pads. An enthusiastic shout for a leg before wicket (LBW), partly necessary since Pakistan had already used all their reviews, was upheld. Pakistan continued to make progress when Justin Greaves’ misplayed reverse sweep found its way to backward point. However, as has been customary for the visitors throughout the series, their lower order remained resilient.
Tevin Imlach and Sinclair refrained from taking many risks as they attempted to construct a traditional Test partnership, with runs gradually accumulating. The duo remained at the crease for nearly 14 overs while Pakistan cycled through their bowlers, and the hunt for a wicket became increasingly urgent. The breakthrough arrived in an unexpected manner when Sinclair completely missed a Sajid delivery from around the wicket, expressing his frustration by looking skyward.
Imlach fell soon after to fast bowler Kashif Ali, who was consistently accurate in the brief spell he bowled. Once again, the last two partnerships found ways to add value. Motie teamed up with Warrican to contribute an additional 27 runs, before Kemar Roach, who was injured while taking a spectacular catch on Saturday, hobbled in to add a few essential runs. His efforts helped the team surpass the 250 mark before Sajid eventually closed out the innings. Nevertheless, there was a prevailing feeling that it was already too late.
