The second Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and West Indies will take place at the Multan Cricket Stadium, starting on Saturday, January 25. The home side leads the series 1-0, with their spinners dominating the first match. Both teams will be eager to make an impact in this decider.
Match Details
- Match: Pakistan vs West Indies, 2nd Test
- Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
- Date and Time: January 25-29, 2025, 10:00 AM IST
Team Overviews
Pakistan
The hosts delivered a clinical performance in the first Test, with their spinners capitalizing on the spin-friendly conditions. Sajid Khan emerged as the Player of the Match with nine wickets across both innings, while Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed provided excellent support. Batting-wise, Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel led the way with crucial contributions. Pakistan will look to replicate their dominant approach to seal the series 2-0.
West Indies
West Indies struggled in the opening Test, particularly against Pakistan’s spinners. While Alick Athanaze’s fighting half-century in the fourth innings was a positive, the visitors’ batting lineup was largely subdued. Jomel Warrican’s 10-wicket haul kept them in the game, but he lacked adequate support from other bowlers. The visitors must improve their application with both bat and ball to pose a stronger challenge in the second Test.
Key Players to Watch
- Sajid Khan (Pakistan): The off-spinner’s match-winning nine-wicket haul in the first Test makes him a key threat for the West Indies batters.
- Shan Masood (Pakistan): The skipper’s form with the bat will be crucial in setting the tone for Pakistan.
- Jomel Warrican (West Indies): His 10/101 in the first Test showed his ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions. West Indies will rely on him to lead the bowling attack.
- Alick Athanaze (West Indies): His fourth-innings half-century showcased his resilience. Athanaze will need to anchor the visitors’ batting effort.
Pitch Report
The Multan pitch is expected to favor spinners from Day 1, as it did in the first Test, where the match concluded in just three days. The surface will demand disciplined batting, and spin bowlers are likely to dominate proceedings. West Indies will need to adapt better to the conditions, while Pakistan, more accustomed to turning tracks, will look to exploit the spin-friendly wicket.
Head-to-Head Records
- Matches Played: 29
- Pakistan Wins: 16
- West Indies Wins: 6
- Draws: 7
- First Fixture: January 19-23, 1995
- Most Recent Fixture: January 17-19, 2025
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Huraira
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Sajid Khan
- Noman Ali
- Abrar Ahmed
- Khurram Shahzad
West Indies:
- Kraigg Brathwaite (c)
- Mikyle Louis
- Tevin Imlach (wk)
- Alick Athanaze
- Keacy Carty
- Justin Greaves
- Kavem Hodge
- Gudakesh Motie
- Kevin Sinclair
- Jomel Warrican
- Jayden Seales
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Probable Scenarios
- If Pakistan Bats First: Pakistan will aim for a solid total of 300+ in the first innings, putting the West Indies under pressure on a deteriorating pitch.
- If West Indies Bats First: The visitors will look to score cautiously and avoid early collapses, aiming for a competitive total of 250+ to stay in the game.
- Key Match-Up: Pakistan’s spinners vs West Indies’ middle order.
Match Prediction
Given the spin-friendly conditions and the dominant display by Pakistan’s spinners in the first Test, the hosts are favorites to win the second Test and clinch the series 2-0. However, if West Indies can step up their batting performance and provide better support for Jomel Warrican, they might pull off an upset.
Final Prediction: Pakistan to win and seal the series.