The second and final Test match between Pakistan and West Indies will take place at Multan Cricket Stadium from January 25, 2024 (Saturday).
Pakistan completely dominated the first Test, winning by 127 runs, thanks to their spin trio of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed, who took all 20 wickets in the match.
West Indies, on the other hand, struggled to adapt to the spin-friendly conditions and were bowled out for 137 & 123 runs in both innings. The visitors will be eager to put up a better fight and avoid a series whitewash.
Can Pakistan complete a 2-0 series win, or will West Indies bounce back and level the series?
Match Details
Fixture | Pakistan vs West Indies |
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Date | January 25, 2024 |
Time | 9:30 AM IST |
Venue | Multan Cricket Stadium |
Teams Preview
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan enters this Test full of confidence, having outplayed West Indies in both batting and bowling in the first Test.
The batting department will rely on:
- Captain Shan Masood – who led from the front with a crucial 52 in the second innings.
- Babar Azam – Pakistan’s best batter, expected to bounce back after a rare failure in the first Test.
- Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan – Both played important knocks in the first innings, scoring 84 and 71 runs, respectively.
- Salman Agha and Kamran Ghulam – Middle-order batters who will need to contribute significantly.
The bowling attack has been Pakistan’s biggest strength, with the spin trio of Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed taking all 20 wickets in the first Test. They will again play a key role on a turning Multan pitch.
Key Players: Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed
Predicted Playing XI:
Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Hurraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed
West Indies Preview
West Indies struggled with both bat and ball in the first Test and will need a much-improved performance to avoid a series defeat.
The batting lineup must step up, with:
- Kavem Hodge, Keacy Carty, and Kraigg Brathwaite needing to provide a solid start.
- Alick Athanaze, who scored 55 runs in the second innings, will be crucial in the middle order.
- Mikyle Louis and Justin Greaves must contribute significantly to counter Pakistan’s spinners.
The bowling attack showed glimpses of promise, with:
- Jomel Warrican and Kevin Sinclair picking up wickets but needing better economy rates.
- Jayden Seales, who picked up 3 wickets for 27 runs in the first Test, will be West Indies’ main pace threat.
West Indies will need to adapt to the slow Multan pitch and play spin better if they hope to challenge Pakistan.
Key Players: Kraigg Brathwaite, Alick Athanaze, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican
Predicted Playing XI:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales
Fantasy Team XI
Position | Player |
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Captain | Saud Shakeel |
Vice-Captain | Noman Ali |
Batsmen | Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite |
All-rounders | Salman Agha, Kevin Sinclair |
Wicketkeeper | Mohammad Rizwan |
Bowlers | Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Jayden Seales, Abrar Ahmed |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
- Multan Cricket Stadium offers a spin-friendly surface.
- The pitch will assist spinners from Day 1, making it challenging for batters.
- Fast bowlers might get some reverse swing as the game progresses.
- Average first-innings score at this venue: 275-300 runs.
- Teams winning the toss should bat first, as chasing is difficult on a deteriorating surface.
Weather Conditions
- The weather will be sunny throughout the Test match.
- Temperature: 20-28°C, with light winds.
- No rain is expected, ensuring a full five-day contest.
Toss Prediction
- Teams winning the toss should bat first, as the pitch gets slower and more spin-friendly as the game progresses.
Winning Prediction
Pakistan completely outplayed West Indies in the first Test and will enter this game as clear favorites.
West Indies must show a better batting effort, but their struggles against spin make it difficult for them to stage a comeback.
Given Pakistan’s superior form, home advantage, and a dominant spin attack, they are expected to win this match and complete a 2-0 series sweep.
Prediction: Pakistan to win!
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