Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan rescue Pakistan after early collapse

Pakistan ended the first day of the first Test against West Indies in Multan at 143 for 4, thanks to an unbeaten partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. Both batters scored half-centuries to recover the innings after a fiery opening spell from Jayden Seales left Pakistan reeling at 46 for 4. 

Seales, exploiting the slight seam movement on a pitch designed for spinners, claimed the crucial wickets of debutant Mohammad Hurraira, Kamran Ghulam, and Babar Azam in quick succession. However, Shakeel and Rizwan countered with a gritty, unbeaten 97-run partnership for the fifth wicket, giving Pakistan a fighting chance.

The match began four hours late due to heavy fog that blanketed the ground. Pakistan opted to bat first under hazy skies, with floodlights on throughout the day. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie opened the bowling and removed Pakistan captain Shan Masood early, caught by debutant wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach. 

However, it was Seales who dominated the morning session. He forced Hurraira to edge one behind before delivering a beauty to dismiss Kamran Ghulam. Ghulam, who had just driven an outswinger to the boundary, misjudged a delivery that jagged back into him and was adjudged lbw. Seales struck again to claim the prized wicket of Babar Azam, whose edge carried to Imlach. Despite a review, the decision stood, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble.

With Pakistan in a precarious position, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan showed remarkable composure. Shakeel, accustomed to such conditions, handled both pace and spin effectively. Rizwan supported him with determined batting, as the duo defused the West Indies attack.

Post-tea, the pair upped the scoring rate. Shakeel’s sweep off Kevin Sinclair signaled the change in momentum, and Rizwan followed suit with a flurry of boundaries. Together, they rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Despite some close calls, including a ball that narrowly missed Shakeel’s bat and one that popped up near short midwicket, both players reached their fifties. As the light faded, play was stopped midway through Kraigg Brathwaite's over, with Pakistan finishing the day in a much-improved position.

Jayden Seales was the standout bowler for West Indies, ending the day with figures of 3 for 21. His sharp seam bowling on a spinner-friendly pitch was a testament to his skill and determination. However, the resilience of Shakeel and Rizwan ensured Pakistan remained competitive heading into the second day.

Teams:

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

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