Multan [Pakistan], January 19: Pakistan clinched a historic 127-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test in Multan, achieving a world record by taking all 20 wickets with spin bowlers, as reported by Wisden.
On the third day, Pakistan set a target of 251 runs, relying on their spin attack to dismantle the West Indies. Off-spinner Sajid Khan was the star performer, claiming five wickets in the second innings, including the top five West Indies batters. This followed his four-wicket haul in the first innings, making him the standout bowler of the match.
Noman Ali also played a key role, dismissing Justin Greaves lbw after his own five-wicket performance in the first innings. Abrar Ahmed then wrapped up the match, taking four wickets in quick succession to seal Pakistan’s victory. He finished with five wickets overall.
This remarkable achievement continues Pakistan’s dominance on spin-friendly home pitches. In their previous home series against England, after a heavy loss in the first Test, Pakistan switched to spin-friendly conditions for the remaining matches, with their spinners taking all 40 wickets to secure a 2-1 series victory.
The win in Multan marks the third consecutive home Test in which Pakistan’s spinners have claimed all 20 wickets, a feat unparalleled in cricket history. This also becomes the fifth such instance overall, with the first two occurring in the 20th century. India previously held the record with four such instances.
Pakistan’s recent spin success has been led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who have taken 26 and 28 wickets, respectively, in their last three home Tests. Abrar Ahmed and Zahid Mehmood have also contributed, with Ahmed taking five wickets in this match and Mehmood claiming one.
Historically, Pakistan achieved similar feats in Tests against the West Indies in Faisalabad in 1980, and against England in 1987. Other teams to have achieved this include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and England, with India the only team to do so in an away Test, in Auckland in 1976.
Pakistan’s dominance with spin bowling underscores their strategic mastery of home conditions and cements their status as one of the most formidable teams in the world on spin-friendly pitches.