The Pakistan vs. West Indies 1st Test in Multan has gone down in history, not just for Pakistan’s commanding 127-run victory, but for the unprecedented achievement of the West Indies lower-order batters. For the first time in 148 years of Test cricket history, the last three batters of a team were the top scorers in an innings. This rare feat, coupled with individual brilliance, has added a fascinating chapter to cricket’s storied past.
Key Highlight: Historic Feat in Test Cricket
In their first innings, the West Indies were reeling at 66/8, but the trio of Gudakesh Motie, Jomel Warrican, and Jayden Seales staged a stunning recovery. Their contributions helped the team post a total of 137 runs, marking the first instance in Test cricket history where the highest individual scores in an innings came from batters at positions 9, 10, and 11.
| Player | Batting Position | Runs Scored | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gudakesh Motie | 9 | 19 | 40.42 |
| Jomel Warrican | 10 | 31 | 52.54 |
| Jayden Seales | 11 | 22 | 48.88 |
Key Records Set in the Match
- First Instance in 148 Years
- All three highest scores in a Test innings were made by the last three batters.
- Third Instance in Test History
- The top two run-scorers in an innings were the last two batters.
- Individual Contributions of Lower-Order
- The trio collectively added 72 runs, which accounted for more than half of the team’s total score of 137.
Contrasting Performances in the Second Innings
The fortunes of the trio changed dramatically in the second innings. All three were dismissed for ducks, contributing to West Indies’ dismal total of 123 all out, leading to Pakistan’s comprehensive victory.
| Player | First Innings Runs | Second Innings Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Gudakesh Motie | 19 | 0 |
| Jomel Warrican | 31 | 0 |
| Jayden Seales | 22 | 0 |
Bowling Brilliance of Jomel Warrican
Despite the West Indies’ overall struggles, Jomel Warrican had a career-defining performance with the ball. He picked up 3 wickets in the first innings and followed it with a stunning spell of 7/32 in the second innings, finishing with match figures of 10/101. His efforts kept the West Indies in the contest, even as the team struggled with the bat.
| Bowling Performance | Innings | Wickets Taken | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Innings | 3 | 3/69 | 2.76 |
| Second Innings | 7 | 7/32 | 2.40 |
What Lies Ahead for the West Indies?
The second Test between Pakistan and West Indies is scheduled to begin on January 25, 2025, at the same venue in Multan. This match is crucial for the West Indies as they seek to level the series and avoid finishing last in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle table.
| Series Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| First Test Result | Pakistan won by 127 runs |
| Highest Individual Score | Jomel Warrican (31 runs, WI, 1st Inns) |
| Best Bowling Performance | Jomel Warrican (7/32, WI, 2nd Inns) |
| Second Test Date | January 25, 2025 |
| Venue | Multan |
Historic Perspective
This unique achievement by the West Indies’ tail-enders adds to the folklore of cricket’s unpredictable nature. In a game often dominated by top-order performances, the resilience of batters at positions 9, 10, and 11 has set a new benchmark. It also underscores the importance of contributions from all players, regardless of their primary roles.
Key Takeaways
- First-ever Feat
- The top three individual scores coming from the last three batters in an innings is a milestone unmatched in 148 years of Test cricket.
- All-round Effort
- Jomel Warrican’s stellar bowling performance of 10 wickets in the match was overshadowed by the team’s overall struggles.
- Upcoming Challenges
- The West Indies must regroup and strategize ahead of the second Test to keep their hopes alive in the WTC standings.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs. West Indies 1st Test will be remembered for its historic milestones, particularly the resilience shown by the West Indies lower order. As the teams gear up for the second Test, fans eagerly await another thrilling contest in Multan.
The match serves as a reminder of cricket’s charm — where even the unlikeliest players can create history.
