The Newest star debutant Kashif Ali baig get his maiden Test wicket. The star received warm hugs and appreciation from him teammates who excitedly celebrated the star’s achievement. In his first ever over and the second over of the game, Kashif bowled a full length delivery on the off-stump. Louis pushed at it and got a thick edge to fly in front of Mohammad Rizwan, who got his finger underneath the ball and took an excellent low catch and bagged Kashif his first Test wicket. The two on-field umpires did check whether the ball carried to Rizwan or not and as the replays suggested it was a clean catch. This marked a dream debut for Kashif as he put the West Indies batsmen in serious trouble and get back to the pavilion.
The 24-year-old earned his call-up with consistent performances in first-class cricket, including a standout five-wicket haul for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka last November. His inclusion marks a significant milestone in his career as he becomes the sole pacer in Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack for the match. Kashif expressed his excitement ahead of his debut.
Pakistan have opted to retain the spin-heavy bowling attack that proved effective in the series opener. Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed, all of whom played important roles in dismantling the West Indies lineup in the first Test, will once again lead the charge with their guile and precision. Moreover Kashif is always Known for his consistency, somehow Kashif played 28 first-class matches, taking 87 wickets at an average of 27.47, with a best bowling figure of 6/86. In List A cricket, he has 32 wickets in 21 games, while his T20 numbers include 3 wickets from 9 matches. His inclusion in Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack as the sole pacer highlights his growing prominence in the domestic circuit.
The decision to rely heavily on spinners reflects Pakistan’s approach to capitalise on the spin-friendly conditions in Multan. Because the Pakistan side is always been unpredictable as we all know that. The batting lineup remains unchanged, with young opener Muhammad Huraira alongwith skipper Shan Masood at the top of the order. The promising left-handed batter, Huraira, has the best potential and technique and temperament in the first Test and will aim to build on his solid start.
Babar Azam, who remains the backbone of Pakistan’s batting, will occupy the crucial No. 3 position. Vice-captain Saud Shakeel, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will form the middle order alongside Kamran Ghulam, who played a steady knock in the first Test.