The much-anticipated first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies faced an unexpected delay as dense fog enveloped the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday, January 17. Day 1 of the match, scheduled to begin with the toss in the morning, saw its first session completely washed out due to poor visibility. Players were seen warming up on the outfield, but the toss was postponed as match officials waited for the fog to lift.
Fog Halts Play on Day 1
Multan, which has historically hosted exciting Test matches, witnessed a rare interruption unrelated to rain, with thick fog delaying proceedings. The heavy fog disrupted visibility across the venue, preventing the match officials from initiating the game as scheduled. This unique challenge has added an element of unpredictability to the series opener, which remains crucial for both teams.
Teams Face a Challenging WTC Cycle
Both Pakistan and the West Indies are struggling at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, ranked eighth and ninth, respectively. With the WTC final set for June 2025 at Lord’s and the finalists already confirmed as Australia and South Africa, this series holds no impact on the final rankings. However, it offers a chance for both teams to rebuild momentum and regain lost form.
Pakistan has endured a rough Test cycle, losing eight of their last ten matches. However, one of their two victories came in Multan, on the same ground they are playing now, where spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali dominated England on a dry, turning track. Both Khan and Ali have been named in the playing XI for this match, alongside the promising leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, creating a spin-heavy attack well-suited to the Multan conditions.
The West Indies, meanwhile, continue to search for their first Test series win in the current WTC cycle. Losses to India, South Africa, and England have been followed by drawn series against Australia and Bangladesh. The visitors face additional setbacks, with experienced pacer Kemar Roach sidelined due to illness and vice-captain Joshua Da Silva dropped from the squad.
Key Changes for Both Sides
Pakistan has handed a Test debut to 22-year-old Mohammad Hurraira, who impressed in the lead-up to the match by scoring half-centuries in a warm-up game against the West Indies. Hurraira steps in for Saim Ayub, who has been ruled out for six weeks due to a fractured ankle sustained during Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa.
The Multan pitch has once again been curated to favor the hosts’ spinners, and Pakistan will rely heavily on the spin trio of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed to exploit the conditions.
West Indies, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, must tackle their long-standing struggle against spin bowling in subcontinental conditions. The absence of Kemar Roach further weakens their pace attack, increasing the pressure on their all-rounders and spinners to adapt to the slow, turning surface.
Looking Ahead
The dense fog may have delayed the start of play, but both teams remain focused on breaking their respective losing streaks. For Pakistan, a win at home would boost their confidence after a challenging year, while the West Indies aim to turn their fortunes around with a fighting display.
As fans wait for the weather to clear, the Multan Test promises an intense contest, with Pakistan’s potent spin attack set to test the resilience of the West Indies’ batting lineup. The outcome of this match could serve as a turning point for either team, setting the tone for a competitive series once the action begins.
BY – KARTIK
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