The cricketing world witnessed a momentous event as Pakistan hosted West Indies for a series of tests after an 18-year hiatus. The first Test match began at the Multan Cricket Stadium on January 17, 2025, with both teams keen to assert their dominance. Pakistan, coming off a disappointing series against South Africaaiming to capitalize on their home advantage. Meanwhile, the West Indies looked to improve their position in the World Test Championshiphaving recently drawn a series against Bangladesh.
A delayed departure and first difficulties
The day started worryingly with poor weather conditions causing delays. Fog enveloped the stadium, causing a late start and frustrating players and fans. After several interruptions, play finally got underway, but the Pakistani batting line-up soon found itself in dire straits against an impressive West Indies bowling attack.
Pakistan opted to strike first but soon faltered under pressure. The opening partnership was short-lived, with Mohammed Hurraira in the grip of the exceptional Jayden Seales for only six races. Seales’ performance demonstrated his talent and set the tone for the day. He continued to wreak havoc in Pakistan’s batting order, dismissing the local sensation Kamran Ghulam and star dough Babar Azam in the first 14 overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 46 for 4.
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Jayden Seales dominates day one
Seales emerged as the standout performer of the day, taking three wickets for just 21 runs in his ten overs. His pace and accuracy were instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s top spot. The 22-year-old bowler displayed remarkable control and aggression, bringing to mind legends like Briefly Ambroise And Courtney Walsh. His ability to generate movement off the field troubled even the most experienced hitters.
Seales’ performance was crucial in putting Pakistan behind early in their innings. His wickets not only highlighted his potential but also demonstrated his growing reputation as one of the West Indies’ most promising fast bowlers. As he celebrated each wicket with palpable enthusiasm, it was clear that he was determined to make this series memorable.
The resilience of Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan
Despite the first setbacks, Saud Shakeel And Mohammad Rizwan shows commendable resilience. Shakeel anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 runs off 100 balls, while Rizwan supported him well with a solid 51 runs off 80 deliveries. Their partnership became a beacon of hope for Pakistan as they navigated through difficult conditions and incessant bowling.
Both batters focused on methodically building their innings, rotating strikes and finding boundaries where possible. Their efforts were crucial in stabilizing Pakistan’s innings after a dismal start, allowing them to reach a total of 143 runs for four wickets by stumping.
Bad light ends the game on day one
As the day progressed, poor light again interrupted play, leading to an early close at 143 for four after just over 41 overs. The progress of the match was significantly affected by weather conditions, which not only delayed the start but also curtailed play later in the day.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Multan Stadium right now!#PAKvWI pic.twitter.com/6KXpDWNwcz
–Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) January 17, 2025
Day 1, strains
Brilliant partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan helped Pakistan recover from 46/4 to 143/4 🏏#cricket #PAKvWI #MohammadRizwan #saudshakeel #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/xtcRAzx5Jx
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 17, 2025
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, but Jayden Seales almost made them regret that decision with a brilliant start to the match, claiming three quick wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Babar Azam.
– Cricket Pakistan (@crickethub_pk) January 17, 2025
Jayden Seales’ first spell. How magical are these numbers?#Cricket | #WIvsPAK | #TeamWindies | #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/wTBMsojASF
– gameyaaad (@gameyaaad) January 17, 2025
WI pace sensation Jayden Seales strikes early as Pakistan lose debutant for 6 in Multan. With a delayed start due to fog, will we witness another blockbuster thriller in Multan? #PAKvWI #RedBallRumble #MenInMaroon #Cricket #Multan pic.twitter.com/NR4GvUglwX
– lightning speed (@lightningspeedk) January 17, 2025
Big, fast, precise, relentless, heavy body structure, badass looks, and cold celebration.
Jayden Seales denotes fast bowling aesthetic pic.twitter.com/NybL1i1Ddx
-P𝕏 (@LBW_16) January 17, 2025
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan lead Pakistan’s reconstruction after a first day disrupted by bad weather in Multan.#WTC25 | #PAKvWI 📝:https://t.co/z2tbKnlfpf pic.twitter.com/ofu69lrb05
– ICC (@ICC) January 17, 2025
The number of times Saud Shakeel has saved Pakistan and got us out of trouble since his debut is insane. Now he deserves all the hype and recognition. Great player. pic.twitter.com/9d0VqAoJST
-c (@gayomarlic) January 17, 2025
Another 50 fight from Saud Shakeel. What a player 👏❤️ pic.twitter.com/JiDxH2PKNq
– Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) January 17, 2025
9TH TEST FIFTY FOR SAUD.
– A quality knock from Saud Shakeel on such a difficult track – came at 31/3 and smashed a formidable fifty. pic.twitter.com/bO35AVhzmv
– 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) January 17, 2025
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