Pakistan finally snapped an eight‑match run of defeats in overseas Test cricket on Wednesday, delivering a convincing eight‑wicket win over the West Indies and ending a dismal away record. The victory came after a dominant performance by both batters and bowlers, and it also leveled the three‑match series at 1‑1, setting the stage for a crucial showdown with England. The chase was anchored by a steady partnership between first‑innings centurion Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam, who was back in the role after being re‑appointed earlier in the season. Both men contributed unbeaten 24‑run knocks, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable 77‑2 position at the close of day four.
Their composure under pressure allowed the visitors to overtake the target shortly after the lunch break, sealing the win well before the scheduled close of play. Babar Azam, who also captains the side, finished the match with a flourish, hitting two successive sixes off left‑arm spinner Jomel Warrican to bring the required runs home. Warrican had been a thorn in Pakistan’s side in the first innings, claiming six wickets and restricting the lead to a modest 43 runs.
Nevertheless, the Pakistani batsmen managed to chase down the modest total with relative ease, thanks in part to Babar’s aggressive finishing. Reflecting on the result, Bazar said, "You are always satisfied with the win.
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." His comments highlighted the strategic shift that Pakistan made after assessing the pitch conditions. Observing that the surface resembled the slower, turning tracks commonly found in Pakistan, the team opted to include an extra spinner in the playing XI, a decision that meant leaving out senior fast bowler Mohammad Abbas. The choice to favour spin paid dividends. West Indies’ batting line‑up crumbled against the slow‑bowling duo of Sajid Khan and Ali Usman, who exploited the deteriorating Queen’s Park Oval pitch to great effect.
Sajid’s figures of four wickets for 32 runs and Usman’s four for 39 were instrumental in dismissing the visitors for just 117 runs in their second innings, a total that was compiled in barely half an hour. The rapid collapse set a tiny target of 75 runs for Pakistan, a chase they completed with ease. The match also featured several noteworthy moments.
West Indies lost early wickets when Imam‑ul‑Haq was cleanly caught behind by Justin Greaves on his first ball from Jayden Seales, and Azan Awais was bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18. In the second innings, West Indies opener Brandon King suffered a back injury on day three after executing a spectacular direct‑hit run‑out of Babar from short cover, forcing him to miss the rest of the match. After Pakistan reached 106‑3 with a slim lead of 60 runs, the West Indies tail offered little resistance. Ali Usman swiftly removed Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph, while the last recognised batsman, Justin Greaves, fell for two after a mistimed cross‑bat shot that edged onto his stumps via a thick inside edge off seamer Mohammad Ali.
Historically, Pakistan’s last away Test victory had come against Sri Lanka in 2023 during Babar’s first spell as captain. The intervening years saw the team endure a string of defeats under Shan Masood’s leadership, including white‑wash losses in Australia (3‑0), South Africa (2‑0) and Bangladesh (2‑0).
Masood was eventually stripped of the captaincy after a prolonged slump in red‑ball cricket, paving the way for Babar’s return. However, the turnaround was not immediate; the earlier loss in Tarouba marked Pakistan’s eighth away Test defeat in three years.
The win in the Caribbean therefore carries significant psychological weight. It not only halts a worrying trend but also restores confidence in the side’s ability to adapt to foreign conditions, particularly when the pitch demands a spin‑heavy approach.
Babar’s tactical acumen, combined with the effective execution by the bowlers and the steady contributions from the middle order, suggests that Pakistan may be better equipped for the upcoming England series. Fans can stay updated with the latest scores, video highlights, and expert analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp. The platform offers real‑time cricket scorecards, video clips, and information on broadcast schedules, ensuring that supporters never miss a moment of the action.
In summary, Pakistan’s eight‑wicket triumph over the West Indies not only broke a prolonged away‑Test losing streak but also demonstrated the team’s capacity to make astute tactical adjustments and execute them under pressure. With the series now tied and momentum shifting in Pakistan’s favour, all eyes will turn to the forthcoming clash with England, where the newly restored confidence will be put to the test.