Warrican Fifer Powers West Indies' First Win in Pakistan in 34 Years

Jomel Warrican spearheaded a remarkable performance by the West Indies, clinching a historic 120-run victory over Pakistan on Day 3 of the second Test in Multan. Warrican’s five-wicket haul not only helped West Indies level the two-match series 1-1 but also marked their first win on Pakistani soil in 34 years, a feat last achieved in 1991.

Pakistan, chasing a target of 178, began the day with six wickets in hand but crumbled under relentless pressure from the West Indies spinners, collapsing from 76/4 to 133 all out in just over an hour. Warrican's brilliance, supported by Kevin Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie, scripted a memorable triumph for the visitors.

A Day of Dominance

The day began with Pakistan needing 102 runs to secure a series sweep, while West Indies required six wickets to seal a famous victory. It took Sinclair only three deliveries to make an impact, removing Saud Shakeel for 20. Shakeel, trying to counterattack, mistimed a shot that went straight into the hands of first slip, giving West Indies an early breakthrough.

The pressure mounted when Warrican struck with his very first ball of the day, clean-bowling nightwatchman Kashif Ali. With Pakistan reeling at 76/6, the onus fell on Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha to rescue the innings.

Pakistan's Brief Fightback

Rizwan and Salman opted for an aggressive approach in a bid to shift momentum. Their 39-run partnership, though brief, gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope. Rizwan played confidently, while Salman looked to take on the spinners. However, Warrican broke the partnership, trapping Salman LBW with a delivery that spun sharply. Earlier in the same over, Salman had survived a close stumping call, but his luck soon ran out.

The pressure intensified when Warrican bowled Rizwan, the last recognized batter, with a delivery that breached his defense. Rizwan, who top-scored for Pakistan with 25, failed to provide the resistance his team desperately needed.

Sealing the Victory

With Pakistan’s lower order exposed, the end was near. Noman Ali struck a six off Motie to get off the mark but fell the very next ball, offering a simple catch to Warrican at mid-off. Sajid Khan followed suit in the next over, dragging an inside edge onto his stumps to hand Warrican his fifth wicket of the innings.

Warrican’s figures of 5-27 in 15 overs highlighted his exceptional control and consistency. Kevin Sinclair, who had set the tone with the early dismissal of Shakeel, finished with 3-61. Together, the West Indies spinners exploited the conditions masterfully, leaving Pakistan with no answers.

A Team Effort

While Warrican stole the spotlight with his fifer, the foundation for this victory was laid earlier in the match. In the first innings, Gudakesh Motie’s gritty 55 and Warrican’s unbeaten 36 helped West Indies recover from 115/9 to post 163. Motie also shone with the ball, taking three crucial wickets to restrict Pakistan to 154, ensuring a slim but vital first-innings lead.

In their second innings, the West Indies batters put up a collective effort, led by Kraigg Brathwaite’s 52, to set Pakistan a challenging target. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan bowled well for Pakistan, claiming four wickets each, but their efforts were overshadowed by the brilliance of the West Indies spinners.

Historic Win

This victory holds immense significance for the West Indies. Breaking a 34-year drought in Pakistan not only boosts their confidence but also highlights their ability to compete in challenging conditions. Warrican’s performance, in particular, underscores the depth and potential of the team’s spin attack.

The win also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. Despite being dismissed for a modest 163 in the first innings, the West Indies showed grit and determination to claw their way back into the game. Their disciplined bowling, combined with Pakistan’s inability to handle pressure, proved to be the decisive factor.

What Lies Ahead

For Pakistan, this loss will be a bitter pill to swallow. Their inability to capitalize on favorable conditions and poor shot selection under pressure cost them dearly. However, the series ended in a draw, giving both teams a fair share of positives to build upon.

As for the West Indies, this historic win will be cherished for years to come. It not only ends a long drought in Pakistan but also sends a strong message about their potential in Test cricket. Warrican’s match-winning spell will undoubtedly inspire the team as they look forward to future challenges.

Brief Scores

West Indies: 163 (Gudakesh Motie 55, Jomel Warrican 36*; Noman Ali 6-42) and 244 (Kraigg Brathwaite 52; Sajid Khan 4-76, Noman Ali 4-80)

Pakistan: 154 (Mohammad Rizwan 49; Jomel Warrican 4-43, Gudakesh Motie 3-49) and 133 (Babar Azam 31, Mohammad Rizwan 25; Jomel Warrican 5-27, Kevin Sinclair 3-61)


West Indies won by 120 runs.