Islamabad, Jan 20: The recently concluded Test match between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan was a spectacle of cricketing brilliance, filled with drama, records, and unparalleled excitement.
Shortest Test with a Result in Pakistan
However, In a remarkable turn of events, the Multan Test lasted a mere 1064 balls across four innings, setting a record as the shortest men’s Test in Pakistan to yield a result. The previous record, set during a Pakistan-West Indies Test in Faisalabad in 1990, involved 1080 balls, making this match an even tighter contest.
A Battle of Spin and Survival
However, The teams combined for just 647 runs, marking the third-lowest aggregate in a men’s Test in Asia where all 40 wickets fell. This spin-dominated encounter showcased the enduring challenge of playing on spin-friendly pitches, as batters from both sides struggled to assert dominance. Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a masterclass, dismissing the West Indies in only 371 balls across both innings—their most efficient bowling performance ever.
West Indies’ Struggles and Resilience
The West Indies’ 371-ball batting effort was their shortest ever in a Test where they lost all 20 wickets. Globally, this ranks as the fifth-lowest balls faced by a team in a men’s Test since 1910. Despite their struggles, their lower-order showed remarkable grit, with Nos. 9, 10, and 11 topping the scoring charts in the first innings. This marked only the third time in men’s Test history where the bottom three batters scored the highest runs.
Pakistan’s Spin Dominance
Although, Pakistan’s spinners were the undisputed stars, taking all 20 wickets in three consecutive home Tests—an extraordinary achievement unmatched in cricket history. The Multan Test also saw spinners claim 34 wickets, surpassing the previous record of 32 wickets in Pakistan, highlighting the hosts’ dominance in exploiting turning tracks.
Warrican’s Record-Breaking Feat
However, West Indies’ Jomel Warrican delivered a memorable performance, claiming 7 for 32 in Pakistan’s second innings. His 10-wicket match haul made him only the fifth visiting bowler—and the first West Indian—to achieve this feat in Pakistan.
A Day of Unrelenting Drama
Day two of the Test saw an astonishing 19 wickets fall, setting a new record for the most dismissals in a single day in Pakistan. This was followed by 17 more wickets on day three, making the match a whirlwind of action.
A Test for the Ages
The Multan Test will be remembered as a testament to the unpredictability and allure of Test cricket. With records shattered and spinners ruling the roost, it encapsulated the charm and excitement that make the longest format timeless.
