Pakistan’s spinners dominated the headlines on the first day of the second Test match against the West Indies in Multan. In an extraordinary display of spin bowling, Noman Ali etched his name in the record books, while Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed played secondary roles once more.
Supported by Pakistan’s formidable spin attack, Noman’s spell helped the team dismantle the opposition in a dramatic first session, setting new benchmarks for spin bowling in the opening session of a Test match.
Noman Ali’s Unparalleled Feat
Noman Ali’s remarkable spell (6/27) saw him achieve multiple milestones. Along with becoming the first Pakistani spinner to take a hat-trick in a Test match, he also became the first spinner in men’s Test cricket to take six wickets before lunch on Day 1.
The 37-year-old spinner dismantled the West Indies batting lineup with precision and guile, using the conditions to his advantage. His performance was reminiscent of Abrar Ahmed’s five-wicket haul in the opening session against England in 2022 at this very venue, further cementing Multan’s reputation as a spinners’ paradise.
Most Wickets by Spinners on Day 1, Session 1 Since 2015
| Wickets | Match | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Pakistan vs West Indies | Multan | 2025 |
| 7 | Australia vs India | Indore | 2023 |
| 5 | Pakistan vs England | Rawalpindi | 2024 |
| 5 | Pakistan vs England | Multan | 2022 |
| 5 | Afghanistan vs Ireland | Dehradun | 2019 |
Most Wickets by a Spinner on Day 1, Session 1 Since 2015
| Wickets | Bowler | Match | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Noman Ali | Pakistan vs WI | Multan | 2025 |
| 5 | Abrar Ahmed | Pakistan vs ENG | Multan | 2022 |
| 4 | Nathan Lyon | Australia vs PAK | Abu Dhabi | 2018 |
The Spin Legacy of Multan
Multan has become a happy hunting ground for spinners especially from Pakistan, as evidenced by these records. Pakistan’s spinners collectively claimed nine wickets in the opening session, surpassing Australia’s effort of seven wickets in Indore (2023) and Afghanistan’s memorable performance in Dehradun (2019).
This dominance highlights Pakistan’s continued success in using spin as a lethal weapon in home conditions, especially under their new coach.
What’s Next?
With Pakistan taking early control of the match, Noman Ali’s heroics have set the tone for what could be a series-defining match. All eyes will now be on whether the hosts can capitalize on their commanding start to secure a decisive victory. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling Test unfolds.
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