Twitter Reactions: Jayden Seales’ emphatic bowling prowess puts Pakistan on the back foot on Day 1 of first Test against West Indies



The world of cricket witnessed a momentous occasion as Pakistan hosted the West Indies for a Test series after a gap of 18 years. The first Test match began at the Multan Cricket Stadium on 17 January 2025, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Pakistan, coming off a disappointing series against south africawith the goal of leveraging their home advantage. Meanwhile, the West Indies tried to improve their position on the island Trials World Championshiphaving recently drawn a series against it Bangladesh.

A delayed start and early struggles

The day started ominously with poor weather conditions causing delays. Fog enveloped the stadium, causing a late start and frustrating players and fans alike. After several interruptions, play finally got under way, but Pakistan’s batting line-up soon found itself in dire straits against an impressive West Indies bowling attack.

Pakistan opted to bat first but quickly faltered under the pressure. The opening partnership was short-lived, with Muhammad Hurraira falling prey to the exceptional Jayden Seales for only six runs. Seales’ delivery was a testament to his ability, setting the tone for the day. He continued to wreak havoc in Pakistan’s batting order, dismissing the local sensation Kamran Ghulam and star mixer Babar Azam inside the first 14 overs, leaving Pakistan at 46 for 4.

READ also: PAK vs WI: Fans troll Babar Azam for challenging clear dismissal on Day 1 of first Test

Jayden Seales dominates Day 1

Seales emerged as the standout performer on the day, claiming three wickets for just 21 runs in his ten overs. His pace and accuracy were instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s top order. The 22-year-old bowler displayed remarkable control and aggression, reminiscent of legends such as Curtly Ambrose i Courtney Walsh. His ability to generate movement off the pitch troubled even the most seasoned hitters.

Seales’ performance was crucial in putting Pakistan on the back foot early in their innings. His wickets not only highlighted his potential but also demonstrated his growing reputation as one of the West Indies’ most promising fast bowlers. As he celebrated each fan with palpable enthusiasm, it was clear that he was determined to make this series one to remember.

Resilience by Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan

Despite the initial setbacks, Saud Shakeel i Mohammad Rizwan showed commendable resilience. Shakeel anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 100 balls, while Rizwan supported him well with a solid 51 off 80 deliveries. Their partnership became a beacon of hope for Pakistan as they navigated tough conditions and relentless bowling.

Both batsmen focused on building their innings methodically, rotating the strike and finding boundaries where possible. His efforts were crucial in stabilizing Pakistan’s innings after a woeful start, allowing them to reach a total of 143 runs for four wickets at stumps.

Bad light ends on day 1

As the day wore on, poor light again disrupted play, leading to an early close at 143 for four after just over 41 overs. The flow of the match was greatly affected by the weather conditions, which not only delayed the start but also curtailed play later in the day.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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