MULTAN: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the playing-XI for the second and final Test of the series against the West Indies, which is set to take place at Multan Cricket Stadium from January 25 to 29.
In a significant development, fast bowler Kashif Ali will make his Test debut in this match, replacing Khurram Shahzad in the lineup.
Kashif Ali has been in stellar form in domestic cricket, consistently impressing with his performances. Notably, he claimed a five-wicket haul for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka in November 2024, which further cemented his place in the national squad. His inclusion in the Test team is seen as a well-deserved reward for his hard work and excellent performances in first-class cricket.
For this match, Kashif will be the sole fast bowler in the Pakistan squad, as the team continues to prioritize its spin-heavy attack. Pakistan’s bowling lineup includes three skilled spinners: Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed. This combination is expected to provide Pakistan with a balanced approach to the West Indies’ batting lineup, which struggled against spin in the first Test.
The home side is unchanged apart from Kashif’s inclusion, following their comprehensive 127-run victory in the first Test of the series, also held at Multan. Pakistan’s top-order will remain the same, with young opener Muhammad Huraira partnering with the captain, Shan Masood. Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s premier batters, will follow, bringing stability to the middle order.
The middle order consists of Kamran Ghulam, vice-captain Saud Shakeel, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and the versatile Salman Ali Agha. With a strong batting lineup and a well-rounded bowling attack, Pakistan is aiming to close out the series with a series win.
The West Indies will be hoping to bounce back in this match with a strong performance, having lost the opening Test by 127 runs. Their squad includes captain Kraigg Brathwaite, vice-captain Joshua Da Silva, and a mix of experienced and younger players like Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Alick Athanaze.
Pakistan’s Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Kashif Ali.
West Indies Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (vc), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.
