Pakistan and West Indies are looking to improve from their Test Championship lows

MULTAN, Pakistan (AFP) – Pakistan and West Indies promised a strong result when they met in the first Test in Multan on Friday despite finishing bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC).

Pakistan currently sits eighth in the 2023-25 ​​WTC cycle, with its last-place rivals well behind finalists Australia and South Africa.

Skipper Shan Masood said the two Test series were significant for Pakistan, who finished sixth and seventh in the first two WTC cycles.

“This cycle is coming to an end, so this series is significant for us as we want to become a better team by remaining unbeaten at home,” he told reporters on Thursday.

Pakistan ended an 11-Test winless streak at home with a 2-1 win against England in October and Masood wants his team to continue winning at home despite a 2-0 defeat in South Africa this month.

“We won against England so it will be important that we keep that momentum going against the West Indies,” Masood said.

The West Indies finished eighth in both previous WTCs and captain Kraigg Brathwaite will be looking to finish on a positive note this time.

“I think this series is very important as there are still two Tests left in this cycle… so we want to start the year strong and that is our focus,” Brathwaite said.

He said his players were ready for Pakistan’s spin attack led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who took 39 wickets between them against England.

“We played in spin conditions in Bangladesh and these conditions are similar, so you have to be disciplined and brave against any bowler,” Brathwaite said.

Pakistan used industrial fans and patio heaters to dry out the Multan pitch and secure the series win against England after heavy rain.

They are ready to use the same tactics again if necessary, with the second Test also being played in Multan from January 25.

The tourists got a taste of these conditions during their three-day practice match in Islamabad, where Alick Athanaze hit half-centuries in both innings and new signing Amir Jangoo scored an unbeaten 63.

West Indies used a three-pronged spin attack of Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie in this match but will be without pace spearhead Kemar Roach, who is unwell.

Wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva was overlooked.