The West Indies have achieved a significant milestone, defeating Pakistan by 120 runs in the second Test in Multan to level the two-match series 1-1 and secure their first Test victory in Pakistan in nearly 35 years, Al Jazeera reports.
The victory, which came on Monday, was powered by a dominant bowling performance from spinner Jomel Warrican, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
Pakistan had won the first Test by 127 runs, but Warrican’s outstanding performance – nine wickets in the match and 19 in the series – turned the tables, giving the home side a taste of their own medicine on the spin-friendly pitches. This victory marks the first time the West Indies have won a Test match in Pakistan since November 1990, when they triumphed in Faisalabad, breaking a long drought that included winless tours in 1997 and 2006.
Chasing a target of 254, Pakistan resumed their innings on 76-4, with hopes pinned on Saud Shakeel. However, Kevin Sinclair struck an early blow, dismissing Shakeel for 13, further diminishing the home side’s chances of victory. Despite Babar Azam top-scoring with 31 and Mohammad Rizwan contributing 25, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for a disappointing 133.
Warrican was instrumental in dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup. He bowled nightwatchman Kashif Ali for just one run, leaving Pakistan reeling at 76-6. While Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha put on a brief 39-run partnership for the seventh wicket, Warrican returned to dismiss both batsmen, leaving the West Indies within striking distance of victory.
Gudakesh Motie, who took 2-35, chipped in with the dismissal of Noman Ali, while Warrican fittingly took the final wicket, bowling Sajid Khan to seal the victory and complete his five-wicket haul.
The defeat sent Pakistan to the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) table, occupying ninth place, while the West Indies moved to eighth. Australia, the current title holders, are set to face South Africa in the WTC final at Lord’s in June.
