Mohammad Rizwan Predicts Early Conclusion for Multan Test Due to Spin-Friendly Pitch

Karachi:Pakistan’s star batter Mohammad Rizwan has stated that the pitch prepared for the Multan Test could lead to the match concluding within three days.

Speaking at a press conference after the first day of the West Indies Test in Multan, Rizwan said, “We haven’t seen pitches like this before. The ball is spinning a lot, making it difficult for the batters. We are gradually preparing ourselves for these conditions and learning as we go. Everyone needs to understand that the upcoming cricket will be challenging.”

He further mentioned, “The players have been kept prepared for the remaining cricket. If 90 overs are bowled each day, this match could be concluded in three days.”

Rizwan added that setting a target on such a pitch would be challenging, and they will aim to score runs based on the conditions.

The wicketkeeper-batter also recalled their recent tour of South Africa, where they played with four pacers. He noted that South Africa’s fast bowlers, with speeds of 120-125 km/h, posed a challenge for Pakistan, due to the seam-friendly conditions. “They took advantage of their home conditions,” Rizwan explained.

He also acknowledged that now, against West Indies, Pakistan is facing challenges in their own country, as they have not played in such conditions before. “Australia does the same by playing on dropping pitches to their advantage, and India also prepares spin-friendly wickets to suit their strengths,” Rizwan said.

Rizwan further stated, “Until now, we have not been playing in our country; our matches were in Dubai. If we can’t take advantage of our home conditions, we need to learn from this experience.”

As for the match, Pakistan ended the first day with 143 runs on the board, having lost 4 wickets. Due to fog, the match had a delayed start, and Pakistan’s batting line-up initially struggled, with the first four batters contributing only 46 runs. However, half-centuries from deputy captain Saud Shakil and Rizwan helped Pakistan recover to post a total of 146 runs.