PAK vs WI: Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Report Ahead of 1st Test

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The two-match Test series between Pakistan and West Indies will kick off on 17th January 2025. The 1st Test will be played at Multan, Pakistan. Both teams are already out of the race for the WTC final.

West Indies is currently at the bottom of the championship table, while Pakistan is just above them in 8th position. Both teams will be fighting for pride.

A couple of weeks ago, Pakistan suffered a 2-0 loss in their last Test series against the mighty Proteas. The Windies played their last Test series against Bangladesh in November 2024, which they managed to draw 1-1. In terms of Test cricket, neither team is currently going through a smooth patch.

What will the Multan pitch offer to both teams?

The last Test on the Multan pitch saw Pakistan lose to England after falling short of a 267-run chase. England had earlier put up a monumental 823/7d in their first innings. Let’s take a look at the stats for the Multan Cricket Ground:

Tests played at Multan

  • Matches played: 8
  • Matches won while chasing: 1
  • Matches drawn: 1
  • Average 1st innings total: 365 runs
  • Average 2nd innings total: 431 runs
  • Highest total: 823/7d by England in 2024

The Multan pitch has often been criticized as a “road pitch,” but it is not easy to chase down targets here. Out of 8 Test matches played, only 1 team has successfully chased the target. The pitch is generally good for batters during the first 3 days, but as the match progresses, it starts helping the spinners.

Most Wickets at Multan in Tests:

  • Danish Kaneria (PAK): 22 wickets
  • MJ Leach (ENG): 19 wickets
  • Shabbir Ahmed (PAK): 12 wickets

Out of the top 3 bowlers to take wickets in Multan, two are spinners in the top two spots, while the medium-fast pacer is in a distant 3rd position. This shows how spin-friendly the pitch is likely to be. Both teams will aim to bat first to put up a strong total in their first innings.

Pakistan and West Indies last faced each other at this ground in November 2006, where the match ended in a draw.

Read Original Content: PAK vs WI: Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Report Ahead of 1st Test

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