January 20, 2025: West Indies’ captain Kraigg Brathwaite discussed the team’s 127-run defeat to Pakistan in the first Test match, citing the challenging pitch in Multan as a major factor in the loss. The pitch proved difficult for batting, as demonstrated by the West Indies’ struggle against Pakistan’s spinners, led by Sajid Khan, who claimed a remarkable nine-wicket haul to help Pakistan secure a dominant victory.
Brathwaite acknowledged the challenge the pitch presented and expressed his expectations for the second Test. “We expect the same type of pitch in the second Test, and we’ve got to come better,” he said. Despite the conditions, the West Indies skipper stressed that the team needed to adapt and improve for the upcoming match, especially after a performance that saw both the batting and bowling fall short in key moments.
The Caribbean captain also praised Jomel Warrican for his effort in the first Test, highlighting his hard work over the years, which culminated in his first five-wicket haul. “It’s great to see. Jamal has worked extremely hard over the years, and it’s good to see he got his first five-wicket haul. His hard work has paid off,” Brathwaite said.
Reflecting on the match, Brathwaite pointed out areas where the team could improve, particularly with the ball. He believed that West Indies had allowed Pakistan to score 50-60 extra runs in the first innings, which could have been avoided if they had maintained more pressure on the batters. He also noted that the batting lineup needed to make better decisions, with Alick Athanaze’s 55 in the fourth innings serving as a reminder of what could be achieved with better shot selection.
Looking ahead to the second Test, Brathwaite remains hopeful for a better all-round performance, which he believes could lead to a victory for West Indies. With Pakistan’s spinners dominating the match, taking all 20 wickets, the win has given Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the West Indies now focusing on improving their game for the next Test.
