Pakistan finally put an end to a disheartening run of eight consecutive away Test defeats with a convincing eight‑wicket win over the West Indies on Wednesday. The victory, achieved just after the lunch break on the fourth day, also leveled the two‑match series at 1‑1 and gave the side a much‑needed boost before their upcoming clash with England. The match was anchored by a steady opening partnership between first‑innings centurion Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam, who was back in the role after being re‑appointed. Both men contributed unbeaten 24‑run knocks, steering Pakistan to a comfortable 77 for 2 at the close of the fourth day.
Their composure under pressure allowed the visitors to chase down the modest target set by the West Indies and secure the win. Babar Azam’s finishing stroke was a pair of back‑to‑back sixes off left‑arm spinner Jomel Warrican, whose six‑wicket haul in the first innings had limited Pakistan’s lead to a slender 43 runs.
"You are always satisfied with the win," Babar 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 in‑form fast bowler Mohammad Abbas in favour of an additional spinner.
The move paid dividends as West Indies’ batsmen struggled against the slow‑bowling duo of Sajid Khan and Ali Usman on a deteriorating Queen’s Park Oval surface. "When we saw the pitch it looked more similar to how they are in Pakistan," Babar explained. "We decided to play an extra spinner and it had an impact on our combinations, which meant we had to leave out some senior players." The West Indies had taken a 90‑run win in the first Test at Tarouba, but the conditions in Port of Spain suited Pakistan’s spin attack.
Sajid Khan (4‑32) and Ali Usman (4‑39) shared eight wickets as the visitors were bowled out for just 117 in the second innings, leaving a tiny target of 75 for Pakistan to chase. The Pakistani side wrapped up the chase inside four days, with Shafique and Babar sealing the win. Early in the fourth innings, Pakistan lost Imam‑ul‑Haq, who was caught behind by Justin Greaves for nine runs on the very first ball of Jayden Seales’ opening over. Azan Awais also fell, bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18, but the partnership between Shafique and Babar steadied the ship and ensured the chase was completed without further drama.
West Indies opener Brandon King was unable to bat in the second innings after sustaining a back injury on day three while executing a spectacular direct‑hit run‑out of Babar from short cover. The West Indies tail, already under pressure, offered little resistance as Ali Usman quickly dismissed Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph. The final wicket fell when Justin Greaves, the last recognized batsman, was bowled for two after a mis‑timed cross‑bat shot that nicked the stumps via a thick inside edge.
Pakistan’s last overseas Test victory before this triumph had come against Sri Lanka in 2023, during Babar’s first spell as captain. The intervening years saw Shan Masood lead the side for nearly three years, a period marked by a series of heavy defeats: 3‑0 in Australia, 2‑0 in South Africa and 2‑0 in Bangladesh. Masood was eventually relieved of the captaincy after Pakistan’s persistent struggles in the red‑ball format.
Babar’s return to the helm did not immediately reverse the fortunes of the side; the defeat in Tarouba was the eighth away Test loss in three years. However, the win in Port of Spain demonstrates that strategic adjustments—particularly the use of spin on sub‑continental‑like pitches—can yield positive results even in foreign conditions.
It also restores confidence ahead of the forthcoming series against England, where the team will look to build on this momentum. The victory also highlights the growing importance of adaptability in modern Test cricket. By assessing the pitch early and opting for an extra spinner, Pakistan exploited the wear and tear that typically benefits slow bowlers in the later stages of a match. This decision underscores a broader trend where teams are increasingly willing to deviate from traditional pace‑heavy line‑ups when conditions dictate.
Looking forward, Pakistan will aim to maintain the disciplined approach that served them well in this match. Babar Azam’s leadership, combined with the effective use of spin and the contributions of emerging players like Abdullah Shafique, suggests a more balanced and flexible side capable of competing on diverse surfaces. The upcoming England series will be a critical test of whether these adjustments can translate into sustained success abroad.
Overall, the eight‑wicket win over the West Indies not only snapped a painful away‑Test losing streak but also provided a blueprint for future success: precise tactical planning, effective utilization of spin on responsive pitches, and a clear execution of game plans by both senior and younger members of the squad.