PM Shehbaz spins into praise as Pakistan decimate West Indies in 1st Test
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated the Pakistan men’s cricket team for clinching a 127-run “spectacular victory” over West Indies following exceptional bowling by spinners during the 1st Test played at Multan Cricket Stadium.
In pursuit of a target of 251, Pakistan spinners bowled out the visitors with Sajid Khan claiming a five-wicket haul in the second innings today, concluding the first play of the two-match series with a 127-run win.
Sajid took 5-50 for match figures of 9-115, while leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed snared 4-27 as West Indies were dismissed for 123, falling well short of their victory target.
In an X post, PM Shehbaz wrote: “Brilliant bowling by Team Pakistan! Congratulations to our cricket team on a spectacular victory. Shabash!”
“I extend my commendation to Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42), Chairman PCB, and his entire team for their tireless efforts,” he added.
Cricket fraternity, including former cricketers, journalists and fans, have also praised the Green Shirts for clinching another Test win, especially spinners Sajid, Noman and Abrar, whose magical spells powered the team to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing series.
Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani wrote on X: “Pakistan wins the first test against the West Indies by 127 runs. Another great show by Pakistan spinners.”
In another tweet, he highlighted some statistics, stating: “West Indies played 371 balls in two innings, this is the fewest numbers of balls Pakistani bowlers have bowled to win a Test match.”
“If every team takes advantage of their home ground what’s the problem if Pakistan does the same? Doesn’t India create spin tracks? Doesn’t India trap opposing teams on spin tracks?” wrote sports journalist Sohail Imran responding to arguments raised by some fans regarding Multan pitch.
Leading cricket website, ESPNcricinfo said: “A third consecutive home Test for Pakistan where the spinners have taken all 20 wickets.”
Acknowledging Sajid’s tremendous efforts to collapse the visitors’ batting line-up, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took to X, stating: “18 wickets in two Tests at Multan Cricket Stadium. Sajid Khan turning it in Pakistan’s favour.”
“Full marks to Sajid, Noman & Abrar for their exceptional performances. However, it’s important to provide them with chances to showcase their skills on more balanced pitches,” wrote former Pakistan skipper and famous all-rounder Shahid Afridi on X.
“Spinner-friendly conditions were understandable against England, offering better surfaces in a series vs WI [West Indies] will allow young talent to develop & prove themselves in more challenging environments. Let’s set them up for long-term success!” he added.
Junaid Khan, former left-arm pacer, termed Pakistan’s victory “truly a team effort”. He said: “Truly a team effort with the bowling of Sajid, Noman and Abrar and with the batting of [Mohammad] Rizwan, Saud [Shakeel] and Shan [Masood].”
A cricket fan wrote on X: “Yesterday Sajid Khan said” My wish is that Babar Azam and Rizwan repeat my celebration when I take a five- wicket haul in the next innings. Today Babar and Rizwan have done it for him.”
“The very humble Sajid Khan who is named Player of the Match, “The real Men of the Match are Mohammad Rizwan & Saud Shakeel for their batting in the 1st innings, Shan Masood for his batting in the 2nd innings, Abrar’s bowling in both innings, Noman’s bowling in the first innings – it was a team effort,” another netizen Saj Sadiq expressed his views today.