Pakistan’s batting woes continued as Babar Azam departed after making 31 runs off 67 balls in the second innings of the ongoing second Test against West Indies at Multan Cricket Stadium. The prized wicket came at a crucial juncture that, without doubt, has put Pakistan in deeper trouble for Day 3.
Kevin Sinclair Outfoxes Babar Azam
Babar Azam looked to stabilise the innings after Pakistan’s openers Shan Masood and Mohammad Huraira fell cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 5/2. However, his resistance was cut short by a sharp turning delivery from spinner Kevin Sinclair. The ball spun sharply back in, which caught the star player off guard. Attempting a back-foot defence, he edged it onto his pad, and the ball lobbed into the hands of Alick Athanaze at short leg.
Remember when Steve Waugh said 🗣️
”Give me 10 pieces of wood and Babar Azam, I’ll win you the World Cup.” 👀#BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/8A0Rxy9WTT
— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) January 26, 2025
The wicket was a massive breakthrough for West Indies, who had been hunting for Babar’s scalp before stumps. With Azam’s departure, Pakistan faces an uphill task to save the match, as they still need 178 runs to win the match.
The day 2 began with the West Indies commencing their second innings. It is important to mention that Kraigg Brathwaite led from the front with a captain’s knock on a challenging pitch.
But it was Noman Ali that turned things around in Pakistan’s favour, he scalped 4 wickets in the second innings and 6 wickets in the first innings to complete his 10-wicket haul. Sajid Khan also supported him well and took four crucial wickets to bring momentum back in Pakistan’s favour.
At the time of writing this article, stumps has been called for Day 2 and Pakistan are in deep trouble as they still need 178 runs to win the match.