MAKE no mistake, West Indies men’s recent away 120-run victory over Pakistan in Multan to tie the two-Test cricket series 1-1 was a remarkable achievement.

The pitch, tailor-made for Pakistan’s gifted spin bowlers — providing extravagant turn and uneven bounce — proved very difficult for all batsmen, and the unaccustomed visitors were given next to no chance.

And, after the West Indies had lost the first Test by 127 runs on an adjacent pitch of similar nature, the die was surely cast.

Yet, West Indies, led by their battle-hardened Captain Mr Kraigg Brathwaite, fought like tigers to outperform their hosts with the bat in that second Test match.

More to the point, Man of the Match and series, spinner Mr Jomel Warrican, showing significant improvement at age 32, out-bowled all others and batted ‘out of his skin’ as West Indies secured their first Test match win on Pakistani soil in 35 years.

Of course, context is always important. For many years Pakistan played international cricket on neutral soil — mostly Sharjah — because of security concerns at home. In 2016 West Indies won a single Test in Sharjah in a 1-2 series loss to Pakistan.

Inevitably, the recent triumph in Multan triggered memories of almost exactly a year ago when West Indies men pulled of among the more stunning upsets in the storied history of international cricket by defeating mighty Australia in Brisbane for a 1-1 series result.

Back then, in fast bowler-friendly conditions, the West Indies, as in Multan, had lost the opening Test by a wide margin.

Incredibly, young Guyanese fast bowler Mr Shamar Joseph defied a toe injury to record second-innings figures of seven for 68, carrying West Indies over the line and drawing the series.

Mr Brathwaite was adamant at the time that his team would need to keep improving in order to build on the platform gained in Brisbane.

Disappointment followed, as the West Indies were swept by England in a three-Test series there, lost to South Africa in the Caribbean, and drew a two-Test series 1-1 against Bangladesh.

Understandably, that 2024 experience means there is restraint, even as we celebrate the Multan triumph.

Is this a platform for sustained success or just another flash in the pan for West Indies men’s cricket?

No doubt, the memories of 2024 helped to motivate outgoing red-ball (Test cricket) coach, Mr Andre Coley to urge his players to build on success. “…Keep that hunger and keep learning,” Mr Coley said.

In limited overs (white-ball) cricket, West Indies gained some success in 2024 — including reaching the Super Eight of the Cricket World Cup — though the year ended on a low in that regard.

Also, the dominance by West Indies women over Bangladesh on a white-ball tour — now coming to a close — is encouraging.

However, extremely disappointing results for the Under-19 women’s team at the recent age group World
Cup is reason for serious concern.On the plus side, the West Indies four-day championship now in its 60th year — described by Director of Cricket Mr Miles Bascombe as the “bedrock” of regional cricket development — started earlier this
week.

For sure, innovative Jamaican entrepreneur Mr Chris Dehring will find a full in-tray as he officially takes office today as chief executive officer of Cricket West Indies.