Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Report For PAK Vs WI 1st Test
Multan Cricket Stadium (Source: @FaridKhan/X.com)
The highly-anticipated two-match Test series between Pakistan and West Indies is here. The first Test is slated to take place at the famous Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan from 17 January onwards. The match will begin at 10 AM IST and is guaranteed to be a thrilling encounter.
Both Pakistan and West Indies are looking to bounce back from recent defeats, with Pakistan having suffered a clean sweep by South Africa and West Indies losing to Bangladesh. In their last five Test encounters, Pakistan has won three times, while West Indies has secured two victories.
As the two teams gear up, let us take a look at the ground stats, pitch report and players to watch out for in the upcoming first Test between Pakistan and West Indies.
Multan Cricket Stadium Stats And Records In Tests
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches played | 8 |
Matches won batting 1st | 4 |
Matches won bowling 1st | 3 |
Average 1st innings score | 365 |
Average 2nd innings score | 431 |
Average 3rd innings score | 254 |
Average 4th innings score | 227 |
In eight Test matches played at Multan Cricket Stadium, the team has won four times when batting first and three times when bowling first. The average score in the first innings is 365, while in the 2nd innings, it improves to 431. The average score in the third innings is 254, and in the fourth innings, it drops to 227.
Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Report : Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?
Before talking about Pakistan's pitch for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, it is wise to recall how their decision to opt for a flat, run-scoring pitch for the first Test match against England backfired. Due to this, Pakistan became the first team in Test history to lose by an innings having scored 500 in their first attempt.
Hence, to not repeat the mistake once again, the remaining two surfaces were drastically different as they turned out to be a 'spin' blessing for the home-team who eventually thrashed England to clinch the remaining games.
To better their chances and give the Windies batters a tough time, the pitch at Multan is expected to be along the same lines i.e. a spin heaven. As seen in the viral pictures, Pakistan pitch curator Tony Hemming has prepared rank turners by covering the pitch with a greenhouse and using heaters inside it.
The use of heaters helps the pitch remain dry in such cold weather and moist conditions. Such a surface gives a lot of assistance to the bowlers especially spinners who can effectively pick up wickets after wickets. While the pitch at the Multan stadium is great for batting, especially in red-ball cricket, Pakistan's tactic to ensure that spinners get more assistance will further increase the thrill and challenge in the game. The abrasive conditions in Multan will likely help the fast bowlers generate reserve swing with the old ball.
Moreover, looking at it statistically, the toss-winning team will likely bat first before the surface cracks further and makes the chasing tougher.
Players To Watch Out For At Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
1) Sajid Khan:
- After spinning the English men in his web, Sajid is expected to feature in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming Test against the Windies and continue his magic. The star right-arm off-break spinner recently feature in Pakistan's QEA Trophy where he bagged 29 wickets off 13 innings. Before that, he scripted history against England as he picked up 19 wickets in just two Test matches, thereby joining an elite list of spinners.
2) Nauman Ali:
- Another half of the duet, Nauman Ali bolstered Pakistan's team last time he played at home against England. He wreaked havoc on the English stars by taking 20 wickets in four innings. He is bound to bring his A-game once again and emerge as a powerful force to reckon with.
3) Kraigg Braithwaite
- An important player for the West Indies, Kraigg Braithwaite, has been the backbone of his team. With 109 runs in four innings against Bangladesh, Captain Braithwaite is a player to watch out for. His top-gun batting will prove beneficial for the visitors in the upcoming clash.
Other Key Players: Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Imam Ul-Haq, Jomel Warrican, Keacy Carty