Pakistan finally snapped an eight‑match streak of away Test defeats on Wednesday, clinching a convincing eight‑wicket win over the West Indies and restoring some confidence before their upcoming series against England. The victory was anchored by solid contributions from first‑innings centurion Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam, who both added unbeaten 24‑run knocks in the chase, guiding the visitors to a successful finish shortly after the lunch break on day four and leveling the series at one win apiece. Babar Azam, back in the captain’s role for the first time since his reappointment, sealed the target with a flourish, dispatching two consecutive sixes off left‑arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Warrican had earlier taken six wickets in the first innings, restricting Pakistan’s lead to a modest 43 runs, but his efforts could not prevent the eventual collapse of the West Indian batting line‑up in the second innings.
"A win is always a win," Bazar said after the match. "The key was that we stuck to our game plan – whether it was how Abdullah Shafique approached his innings or how we employed our spin attack in the second innings." His decision to omit the in‑form fast bowler Mohammad Abbas in favour of an extra spinner proved decisive. The West Indies struggled against the slower, turning deliveries, and Pakistan’s spin duo, Sajid Khan and Ali Usman, exploited the conditions to great effect. When asked about the pitch, Babar explained, "The surface reminded us of the tracks we play on back home in Pakistan.
We chose to bring in an additional spinner, and that choice altered our balance, meaning we had to sit some senior players out." The strategy paid off; the Queen's Park Oval was offering assistance to the spinners, and the West Indies’ top order quickly succumbed. The West Indies had won the first Test in Tarouba by 90 runs, but the second encounter saw Pakistan’s bowlers dominate. Sajid Khan claimed four wickets for 32 runs, while left‑arm spinner Ali Usman took four for 39, together accounting for eight of the West Indian wickets. Their disciplined spell forced the hosts into a meagre target of 75 after they were bowled out for just 117 in a little over half an hour of play.
Pakistan’s chase was not without drama. Early in the innings, Imam‑ul‑Haq fell for nine, caught behind by Justin Greaves off the first over bowled by Jayden Seales.
Azan Awais was then dismissed for 18, bowled by Shamar Joseph. However, Shafique and Babar steadied the ship, and the pair’s partnership carried the side home within four days of the start. West Indies opener Brandon King, who had earlier produced a spectacular direct‑hit run‑out of Babar from short cover, was unable to bat in the second innings after sustaining a back injury on day three. The remaining West Indian tail, re‑entering the field at 106‑3 with a slender 60‑run lead, offered little resistance.
Ali Usman quickly removed Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph, while the last recognised batsman, Justin Greaves, fell for two after edging a cross‑bat shot onto his stumps while attempting a defensive play against seamer Mohammad Ali. This win marks Pakistan’s first overseas Test triumph since they beat Sri Lanka in 2023 during Babar’s initial spell 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 eventually stepped down from the captaincy after a string of poor red‑ball results, paving the way for Babar’s return. Although Babar’s reinstatement did not instantly reverse the team’s fortunes – the earlier loss in Tarouba was Pakistan’s eighth away Test defeat in three years – the performance at the Queen’s Park Oval suggests a turning point. By adapting their bowling attack to the conditions, making bold selection choices, and executing their plans under pressure, Pakistan demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen that could serve them well in the forthcoming England series.
The victory also highlights the growing importance of spin in sub‑continental teams when playing on pitches that offer turn and variable bounce. Pakistan’s ability to read the surface, adjust their lineup, and capitalize on the expertise of their spinners underscores a strategic evolution that may become a hallmark of their future overseas campaigns. Fans can stay updated with the latest cricket news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp and other platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action as Pakistan prepares for the next challenge on English soil.