Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated the Pakistan men’s cricket team for achieving a “stunning 127-run victory” over West Indies after exceptional bowling by the spinners during the first Test played at the Multan Cricket Ground.
Chasing a target of 251, Pakistan spinners overcame the visitors as Sajid Khan claimed 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 took 4-27 as West Indies were bowled out for 123, well short of the winning target.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote: “Great bowling from the Pakistani team! Congratulations to our cricket team on an amazing win. Shabash!”
“I extend my compliments to Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42), Chairman, PCB, and his entire team for their tireless efforts,” he added.
The cricket fraternity, including former cricketers, journalists and fans, also praised the Green Shirts for getting another Test win, especially spinners Sajid, Noman and Abrar, whose magical spells enabled the team to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing series.
Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani wrote on X: “Pakistan wins first Test against West Indies by 127 runs. Another brilliant display by Pakistani spinners.”
In another tweet, he highlighted some statistics, saying: “West Indies bowled 371 balls in 2 innings, this is the fewest number of balls bowled by Pakistani bowlers to win a Test match.”
“If every team makes use of their home ground, what’s the problem if Pakistan does the same? Doesn’t India create spin lanes? Doesn’t India trap opposing teams in spin lanes?” Sports journalist Sohail Imran wrote in response to the arguments raised by some fans regarding the Multan Stadium.
leading cricket website, ESPNcricinfo “Third home Test in a row for Pakistan where spinners have taken all 20 wickets,” he said.
Acknowledging Sajid’s tremendous efforts to collapse the visitors’ batting line-up, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took to the X, saying: “18 wickets in two Tests at Multan Cricket Ground. Sajid Khan converted it for Pakistan.”
“Full marks to Sajid, Noman and Abrar for their exceptional performances. However, it is important to give them opportunities to showcase their skills on more balanced pitches,” former Pakistan captain and popular player Shahid Afridi wrote on Channel X.
“The conditions for the spinners were understandable against England, as providing better surfaces in the series against Wisconsin (West Indies) will allow the young talent to develop and prove themselves in more challenging environments. Let’s set them up for long-term success!” He added.
Former left-arm pacer Junaid Khan described Pakistan’s win as “truly a team effort”. “It’s really a team effort with the bowling of Sajid, Noman and Abrar and the batting of (Mohammed) Rizwan, Saud (Shakeel) and Shan (Masood),” he said.
One cricket fan wrote on X: “Sajid Khan said yesterday: ‘My wish is for Babar Azam and Rizwan to repeat my celebration when I get a five-wicket haul in the next innings. Today, Babar and Rizwan did it for him.”
A very humble Sajid Khan who was named man of the match, “The real men of the match were Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel for their batting in the first innings, Shan Masood for their batting in the second innings, and Abrar’s bowling in both innings. , Nauman’s bowling in the first innings – it was a team effort,” another netizen Saaj Sadiq expressed his views today.