MULTAN, Pakistan – West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite has placed his team’s resounding 120-run victory over Pakistan among the most cherished wins of his career, emphasizing its significance in a hostile subcontinental environment.
West Indies delivered a commanding performance, wrapping up the contest inside three days at Multan Cricket Stadium, marking their first Test triumph on Pakistani soil in over 34 years and leveling the two-match series at 1-1.
For Brathwaite, 32, the victory stands alongside another landmark moment in his tenure as captain—West Indies’ historic eight-run win against Australia at the Gabba last year, which ended a 27-year drought Down Under.
“It’s a very important win for us. It just shows that we can get it done in any conditions once we believe and always have a plan,” Brathwaite stated in a post-match press conference. “Playing here in Pakistan is never easy, so coming away with a win is fantastic. I’m extremely proud of this team.”
Bouncing back in spectacular fashion
West Indies’ triumph was made even sweeter by the resilience they displayed after suffering a 127-run defeat in the first Test.
“I’m very proud of how we approached this game,” Brathwaite noted. “Winning the toss gave us an advantage, but it was really about how we capitalized on that opportunity. Warrican and Motie’s contributions with the bat in the first innings truly set the foundation for us.”
The Caribbean side’s disciplined approach ensured they never relinquished control of the match, with their bowlers delivering a relentless performance to dismantle Pakistan’s batting line-up.
Overcoming a difficult pitch with grit and precision
Brathwaite acknowledged the testing conditions, emphasizing that both Test matches were played on challenging wickets that required mental fortitude and precise execution.
“In both games, the pitch was tough to bat on, and we knew that from the start,” he explained. “I just wanted us to be brave, to stick to our plans, and to execute them with conviction. Regardless of what, there was always going to be a ball with your name on it on this pitch.”
For the West Indies captain, the most gratifying aspect of the victory was witnessing the confidence and composure with which his team tackled adversity.
“It was great to see the belief and intent in our approach,” he added. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”
