Shakeel, Rizwan lead Pakistan’s fightback against WI on Day 1 in Multan

Fifties from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan fightback against West Indies on the opening day of the first Test in Multan on Friday.

After a delayed start due to early morning fog, Pakistan recovered from a precarious position to end the day at 143-4, courtesy of an unbeaten 97-run stand between the two batters.

The day's play was shortened by two and a half hours due to poor visibility, with the toss and subsequent start delayed until after lunch.

Pakistan’s skipper, Shan Masood, opted to bat first on a dry, grassless Multan pitch anticipated to assist spinners from the outset. Both teams selected spin-heavy attacks, fielding three spinners and a single frontline pacer each.

West Indies, however, capitalized on the disrupted start to make early inroads. Fast bowler Jayden Seales led the charge, dismantling Pakistan’s top order with a superb spell.

He struck first in the sixth over, dismissing debutant Mohammad Hurraira for six via a thin edge to wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach. Shortly after, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie removed Masood for 11, courtesy of another edge to the keeper.

Seales returned to trap Kamran Ghulam leg-before for five with a sharp inswinger, and Pakistan’s troubles deepened when Babar Azam nicked another delivery behind for eight.

At 46-4, the hosts were in dire straits, with their top order undone by disciplined bowling and sharp catching.

It was then that Shakeel and Rizwan joined forces to stabilize the innings. Shakeel, familiar with conditions in Multan, exhibited composure against both spin and pace.

Pakistan's Saud Shakeel in action during the first Test against West Indies in Multan.AFP

His deft handling of spin negated the West Indies’ plans to exploit the surface early. At the other end, Rizwan offered solid support, displaying unwavering concentration as he rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries.

The pair’s partnership was a study in grit and patience, frustrating the West Indies bowlers who had dominated the first hour. Despite probing spells and tight fielding, the visitors could not dislodge either batter. Shakeel reached his fifty in style, finishing the day unbeaten on 56, while Rizwan held steady with a well-crafted 51 not out.

The middle-order partnership between Shakeel and Rizwan ensured that the hosts avoided complete collapse, ending the day in a somewhat secure position.

Pakistan will look to build on the Shakeel-Rizwan partnership and West Indies will be aiming for an early breakthrough to regain the upper hand.

The two-match series is part of the World Test Championship's third cycle (2023-2025). Pakistan currently ranks eighth and the West Indies ninth and last.