West Indies wins Test in Pakistan for first time in 35 years

History was made in Multan as the West Indies clinched their first Test victory in Pakistan in nearly 35 years, defeating the hosts by 120 runs on day three of the second Test.

The thrilling win leveled the series 1-1, after Pakistan had taken the first Test by 127 runs.

Spinner Jomel Warrican was the star of the show, claiming a five-wicket haul and finishing the match with nine wickets. His impressive series tally of 19 wickets proved pivotal in the West Indies' triumph, as they skillfully navigated the spin-friendly Pakistani pitches to secure a memorable victory.

The last time the West Indies won a Test in Pakistan was in Faisalabad in November 1990, having gone winless on their 1997 and 2006 tours.

"We haven't played in Pakistan for a number of years, but we haven't won here in a while, so to come here and do it as a young group is incredible," West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite said after the win.

Resuming on 76-4 and chasing 254, Pakistan's hopes of victory rested on Saud Shakeel but Kevin Sinclair had the left-hander caught in the slip for 13 to further dent the home team's fading chances.

Babar Azam top-scored with 31 while Mohammad Rizwan made 25 as Pakistan were bundled out for 133.

Warrican bowled nightwatchman Kashif Ali with a straighter one for one, leaving Pakistan in tatters at 76-6.

Rizwan added 39 for the seventh wicket with Salman Ali Agha before Warrican dismissed Salman leg before for 15 and bowled Rizwan to bring the tourists within two wickets of victory.

Gudakesh Motie, who took 2-35, removed Noman Ali for six while Warrican deservedly took the last wicket, bowling Sajid Khan for seven to seal the victory.

No change in pitches

Despite the defeat, Shan Masood reiterated that Pakistan will continue to make spin-friendly pitches in their home Tests and domestic matches in the future.

"100%. It's a game of all stakeholders. We should also appreciate the players for throwing themselves in the den without preparation. But I think domestic cricket also will be played like this," the Pakistan captain said.

"We've won three out of four Tests, but even in the game we've lost, on the first day we were in the position we wanted, even better maybe when we had them eight down.

“One bad performance can't have a domino effect. We still have to be brave and replicate conditions. Even when we fail, there are a lot of learnings. Now we realize as a team that one extra wicket, one extra partnership, can have a huge effect on the game."

The defeat sent Pakistan crashing to ninth and last in the World Test Championship table while the West Indies finished eighth.

Title-holders Australia face South Africa in the WTC final at Lord's in June.

‘Street cricket’

Former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad was left disappointed by Pakistan’s poor batting display against the West Indies in the second Test.

“It’s extremely poor batting display. I have no words to express. They should be playing street cricket,” Sadiq told Nukta.

“If you see yesterday Huraira went for a reverse sweep after his partner got out. They should be punished and should not be asked to play again in any format.

“If you get out LBW while playing with a straight bat then there is no issue. There was no grace in Pakistan’s batting.”

Sadiq also reacted to Aqib Javed’s statements about preparing such type of spin tracks in the next World Test Championship cycle as well.

“These statements are of no use unless you practically show what you want to achieve. Your batsmen have no temperament to play on spin tracks. Unless they play Test cricket like Test cricket nothing will happen,” Sadiq said.

“In the entire population we have chosen 12 top players and they should have the kind of knowledge to adopt themselves. In the entire match four to five deliveries turn viciously and the remaining balls are not that terrible. You were caught in the slips, trapped LBW and you played reckless shots. The ball was coming on a good height,” he added.

He said that the West Indies also did not play constructive cricket.

“If we see West Indies second innings, they also did not play constructive cricket but were lucky to score more runs which helped them in the end,” Sadiq concluded.

Additional input from AFP.