WATCH: Salman Ali Agha catches a screamer to dismiss Kevin Sinclair on Day 3 of First Test – PAK vs WI
Pakistan produced an excellent performance to secure a 127-run victory over West Indies in the first Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday (January 19). Despite initial hiccups, the hosts showed resilience with the bat and brilliance with the ball to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The match witnessed a spectacular catch Salman Ali Agha and a dominant display of spin bowling that decimated the West Indies batting line-up.
Salman Ali Agha’s stunning catch grabs attention
One of the highlights of the match was Salman’s incredible catch at slip on the third day. The incident took place in the 35th over of the West Indies innings when Abrar Ahmed threw a long ball from outside that bounced awkwardly off the surface. Kevin Sinclairunable to handle the breeding delivery, he pushed it towards the belt. Salman, who was at the slip, reacted immediately, leaping forward to grab the ball at shoulder height. His acrobatic effort not only sent Sinclair packing but also set the tone for Pakistan’s dominance on the field.
Here is the video:
Ice cooling @SalmanAliAgha1! 🤩🤷 ♂️
Catch of the match❓ 👏#PAKvWI | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/cEnoHDVJG1
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 19, 2025
Also READ: Twitter Reactions: Sajid Khan shines as Pakistan demolish West Indies by 127 runs in 1st Test
Pakistan’s spinners are wreaking havoc
Pakistan’s bowlers were the architects of their victory, exploiting the conditions to perfection. Sajid Khan emerged as the destroyer in chief, taking nine wickets in both innings. His fifer on Day 3 was instrumental in closing West Indies’ second innings for just 123 runs. Abrar also played a key role, taking four wickets in the second innings, including key dismissals like Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican.
The West Indies batting line-up crumbled under the pressure, failing to cross 150 in any innings. They were bowled out for 137 in the first innings and 123 in the second, leaving them well short of Pakistan’s target. Pakistan’s bowlers took advantage of the variable bounce-and-on offering, leaving the visiting batsmen scrambling for answers.
Another test awaits
The teams will reconvene at the Multan Cricket Stadium for the second and final Test starting on January 25. With this win, Pakistan have taken a firm grip on the series and will barely seal a 2-0 victory. West Indies, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to level the series and avoid a clean sweep.
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