Pakistan finally snapped an eight‑match streak of away Test defeats on Wednesday, delivering a convincing eight‑wicket win over the West Indies that not only secured the match but also leveled the series at one win apiece. The victory came after a disciplined performance by both batters and bowlers, and it arrived just after the lunch break on the fourth day of the four‑day contest.
Opening the chase, first‑innings centurion Abdullah Shafique partnered with captain Babar Azam, who was playing his first series back after being re‑appointed to the role. The duo steadied the innings with calm, unbeaten contributions of 24 runs each, guiding Pakistan to a solid 77 for two. Their measured approach set the tone for the final push, and the side comfortably reached the target set by the hosts.
Babar Azam, who had taken on the captaincy again, finished the chase with a flourish. He struck two successive sixes off left‑arm spinner Jomel Warrican, whose earlier six‑wicket haul in the first innings had restricted Pakistan’s first‑innings lead to a modest 43 runs. "You are always satisfied with the win," Bazar said after the match.
"The most important thing was that we executed our plans, whether it was how Abdullah Shafique batted or how the spinners bowled in the second innings." A key tactical decision by Babar was the omission of fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who had been in good form, in favour of an extra spinner. The choice proved decisive as the West Indian batting line‑up faltered against the slow‑bowling attack in the second innings. "When we saw the pitch it looked more similar to how they are in Pakistan," Babar explained.
"We decided to play an additional spinner and it had an impact on our combinations because of which we had to leave out our senior players." The West Indies had won the opening Test in Port of Spain by 90 runs, but the conditions at the Queen's Park Oval in the second match turned in Pakistan's favour. The pitch began to wear and offered turn, allowing spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman to extract significant movement.
Their figures – Khan 4 for 32 and Usman 4 for 39 – dismantled the West Indian total of 117, bowled out in just half an hour. This dramatic collapse set a modest target of 75 for Pakistan, a chase they completed with ease. Pakistan’s batting collapse early in the innings was limited to the loss of Imam‑ul‑Haq, who was cleanly caught behind by Justin Greaves for nine runs in Jayden Seales' first over, and Azan Awais, who fell for 18 to Shamar Joseph.
However, the partnership between Shafique and Babar steadied the ship and ensured the chase was wrapped up well within the allotted time. The West Indies also suffered setbacks with injuries. Opening batsman Brandon King was unable to bat in the second innings after injuring his back on day three while executing a spectacular direct‑hit run‑out of Babar from short cover.
The remaining tail‑enders offered little resistance; Usman quickly dismissed Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph, while the last recognized batsman, Justin Greaves, fell for two after a mis‑timed cross‑bat shot that edged onto his stumps. This win marks Pakistan’s first away Test triumph since their victory over Sri Lanka in 2023, which occurred during Babar’s earlier stint as captain. The intervening years saw Shan Masood lead the side through a difficult period, during which Pakistan suffered series defeats of 3‑0 in Australia, 2‑0 in South Africa and 2‑0 in Bangladesh. Masood’s captaincy was eventually ended due to the team's poor performance in the longer format, paving the way for Babar’s return.
Although Babar’s comeback did not instantly reverse the team's fortunes – the earlier loss in Tarouba was Pakistan’s eighth away Test defeat in three years – the recent success against the West Indies suggests a positive shift. The strategic use of spin, the effective execution of game plans, and the composure shown by both senior and emerging players indicate that Pakistan may be rebuilding a more resilient Test side capable of competing on foreign soil. Fans can stay updated with the latest cricket news, videos, analysis and more by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp.
The platform also provides live scores, highlights, and information on upcoming broadcasts, ensuring enthusiasts never miss a moment of the action. Overall, the match highlighted Pakistan’s ability to adapt to conditions, make bold selection choices, and capitalize on the strengths of their spin department. With the series now tied, the upcoming England series will present a fresh challenge, but the confidence gained from breaking the away‑loss streak could prove invaluable as the team looks to re‑establish itself in the Test arena.