Pakistan men’s cricket team not only secured a commanding 127-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test of the series but also broke a few long-standing records along the way.
This match was anything but ordinary, packing action, milestones, and a bit of nostalgia into just under three days. Yes, you read that right—three days! Let’s dive into the highlights of this unforgettable Test.
The Shortest Test in Pakistan’s History
In a contest where weather tried its best to play spoilsport, the game sped along faster than anyone expected. The match wrapped up in just 1,064 balls across four innings, making it the shortest Test in Pakistan’s history (in terms of balls bowled) to produce a result.
The previous record? That was also a Pakistan-West Indies clash way back in 1990, which lasted 16 balls longer. Coincidence? Maybe. Historic? Definitely.
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The West Indies didn’t have a great outing with the bat, facing only 371 deliveries across both innings. That’s their lowest-ever tally in Test cricket, breaking their previous record of 450 balls against England in 2000.
Sajid Khan Joins the Record Books
This match wasn’t just about team records; individual milestones added extra shine to Pakistan’s victory. Sajid Khan, the right-arm off-spinner, made headlines by claiming his 50th Test wicket. He reached the landmark by dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite, West Indies’ skipper.
What makes this even more impressive? Sajid reached this milestone in just 11 Test matches, making him the third-fastest Pakistani bowler to achieve the feat. He now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Waqar Younis, Mohammad Abbas, and Mohammad Asif.
The fastest Pakistani to 50 Test wickets is Yasir Shah, who achieved it in just nine matches—a record that still holds strong.
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Mohammad Rizwan’s Century (of Dismissals)
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan also joined the celebration with a major milestone of his own. Rizwan completed 100 dismissals in Test cricket, an achievement that puts him among Pakistan’s greatest wicketkeepers.
With 107 dismissals in just 64 innings, Rizwan’s consistency behind the stumps is nothing short of remarkable. While Wasim Bari still holds the top spot with 228 dismissals in 146 innings, Rizwan’s pace suggests he could give the legends a run for their money in the years to come.
Other notable names in Pakistan’s wicketkeeping history include Kamran Akmal (206 dismissals), Sarfaraz Ahmed (182 dismissals), and Moin Khan (147 dismissals).
With this victory, Pakistan has sent a strong message—not just to the West Indies but to the cricketing world. The team’s ability to dominate at home, makes them a force to be reckoned with.
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