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At one point, West Indies seemed in complete control, leading by 101 with nine wickets in hand, but a flurry of wickets brought Pakistan roaring back into the game. By lunch on Day 2 of the second Test in Multan, West Indies stood at 163 and 129 for 5, leading Pakistan by 138 runs.
Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback on Day 2 of the second Test in Multan, clawing their way back into the match after West Indies appeared to be running away with it. At lunch, the visitors were 163 and 129 for 5, holding a lead of 138 runs. Noman Ali’s brilliant spell (4-59) ensured that Pakistan kept their hopes alive despite a dominant start by the West Indies.
West Indies began the day in commanding fashion, with skipper Kraigg Brathwaite leading from the front. Brathwaite’s positive intent was clear from the start as he lofted Sajid Khan for six in the fifth over and attacked Noman Ali with back-to-back boundaries when the spinner was introduced. Brathwaite’s aggression was complemented by debutant Amir Jangoo, who played fluently to keep the momentum in West Indies’ favor. A solid 50-run opening partnership and further resistance from Jangoo saw the visitors extend their lead to 101 with nine wickets in hand, seemingly cruising to a position of dominance.
However, Pakistan’s spinners had other plans. The turning point came when Mikyle Louis misjudged a flighted delivery from Noman Ali, slicing it to Shan Masood at short extra cover. This dismissal gave Pakistan the opening they needed, and they capitalized on it spectacularly. Brathwaite, who had played a measured innings, slowed down as he neared his half-century. He survived two consecutive lbw calls on review but was eventually undone by extra turn from Noman while attempting a charge, only to be stumped.
Jangoo followed shortly after, misreading Sajid Khan’s flight and edging a sweep to slip. Moments later, Kavem Hodge was also dismissed in a similar manner to Brathwaite, beaten by the sharp turn from Noman. The spinners continued to apply pressure, and in the final over before lunch, Noman struck again, landing one in the footmarks to trap a batter lbw. The appeal was fervent, and Pakistan celebrated the breakthrough that gave them a fighting chance.
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The flurry of wickets in the last 45 minutes before lunch shifted the balance of power. While West Indies still have a lead and a slight edge, their position is far less secure than it appeared an hour earlier. The loss of Brathwaite and Jangoo, the two most stable batters, means that Pakistan could restrict the target to under 200, keeping the contest alive.
Pakistan’s spinners have brought them back into the match, but the game is far from over. West Indies will look to regroup and add valuable runs to their lead, while Pakistan aims to maintain the pressure and keep the target within reach.
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