West Indies Face Off Against Pakistan in Historic Test Match

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite needs 149 runs to become the tenth West Indian to score 6000 runs in Test cricket. Photo: PCB Media

West Indies Cricket Team Gears Up for Historic Test Match

MULTAN, Pakistan, CMC – All the prep work and team planning will be out the window shortly as the West Indies cricket team gears up for a long-awaited return to Pakistan’s Test arena, as they face off against the hosts in the first of two matches at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 12:30 a.m. Jamaica time (1:30 a.m. ECT). The encounter will mark the West Indies’ first Test in Pakistan in more than 18 years.

However, the stakes go beyond history. Both teams sit at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, with Pakistan only marginally ahead.

West Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite Focuses on Delivering Strong Performance

For West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, the focus is on delivering a performance that not only lifts the team but also sets the tone for a strong start to the year.

“This series is essential for us. There are two Test matches left in this cycle, and it’s also a new year, so we want to start strong. The main thing, especially for the batters, is to be brave, trust in your plans, believe in them, and execute,” said Brathwaite.

West Indies Face Challenges Ahead of Test Match

The West Indies face some hurdles heading into the match as experienced pacer Kemar Roach has been sidelined due to illness, and wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva has been dropped.

Trinidadian Amir Jangoo, who impressed with a half-century in a recent tour match, could make his Test debut.

Head coach Andre Coley faces another conundrum of batting Keacy Carty at number four or Tevin Imlach.

Brathwaite on Brink of Personal Milestones

Brathwaite, meanwhile, is on the brink of personal milestones. He needs 99 runs to surpass Richie Richardson’s Test tally and 149 to join the elite club of West Indies batters who have scored 6,000 Test runs.

Spin to Play Key Role in Test Match

One thing is for sure: spin will factor greatly. Slow bowlers Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, and Gudakesh Motie are expected to showcase their skills in Multan. The host is set to unleash three spinners, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed, in their final eleven.

Last Test Match in Multan a Run-Fest

The last Test match between these two sides in Multan, back in November 2006, was a run-fest. Over five days and 439 overs bowled, more than 1,400 runs were scored, and only 27 wickets fell. With the venue expected to offer a similar batting-friendly surface, Brathwaite urged his players to take inspiration from past successes in comparable sub-continental conditions.

“We won a series in Bangladesh, so there’s a lot we can take from those experiences. But at the end of the day, that’s history. What has been key for the batsmen is to believe, believe, and be brave.”

Conclusion

The West Indies cricket team is gearing up for a historic Test match against Pakistan in Multan. With the stakes high and both teams looking to make a strong start to the year, it promises to be an exciting encounter. Will the West Indies be able to overcome their challenges and deliver a strong performance?

FAQs

* When is the first ball scheduled to be bowled?
+ 12:30 a.m. Jamaica time (1:30 a.m. ECT)
* How many years has it been since the West Indies last played a Test match in Pakistan?
+ More than 18 years
* What is the current standing of the West Indies and Pakistan in the World Test Championship?
+ Both teams are at the bottom of the standings, with Pakistan only marginally ahead