For the second and final Test of the series against the West Indies, which is set to start in Multan on Saturday, Pakistan has revealed their playing eleven. Pacer Kashif Ali has replaced Khurram Shahzad as the only alteration made to the Men in Green’s roster from the first Test.
Kashif Ali, 26, is expected to make his Test debut. He is well-known for his reliable performances in local cricket. After taking five wickets for Pakistan Shaheens in a match against Sri Lanka last November, the young bowler made an impression on the selectors. Given that Pakistan continues to rely largely on their spin attack in Multan’s spin-friendly environment, Kashif’s inclusion represents a calculated strategic move.
Pakistan Continues to Focus on Spin Attack
In addition to part-time alternatives Salman Ali Agha and Kamran Ghulam, Pakistan’s bowling squad for the second Test consists of spinners Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed. Taking nine wickets in the match, including scores of 4/65 and 5/50, Sajid Khan was named Player of the Match in the first Test.
Pakistani spinners took all 20 of the West Indies’ wickets in the first Test, demonstrating the potency of their spin-dominant approach. Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aaqib Javed, has affirmed that Multan’s pitch should provide spinners with comparable support.
Naturally, we were correct to get a spin pitch ready for the West Indies. When opposed to fast bowling, their hitters are less skilled against spin,” Javed said the night before the match.
Building on their current momentum after defeating England in the previous series, Pakistan is aiming for a 2-0 series triumph after winning the first Test with ease.
Meanwhile, West Indies are yet to announce their Playing XI for the match.
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