Pakistan finally put an end to an eight‑match stretch of away Test defeats with a commanding performance on Wednesday, cruising to an eight‑wicket win over the West Indies. The victory not only halted the skid but also leveled the series at one win apiece, setting the stage for a crucial showdown with England later in the season. The innings was anchored by a solid partnership between first‑innings centurion Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam, who was back at the helm for his first series since being reinstated as Pakistan’s Test leader.
Both batsmen contributed unbeaten 24‑run knocks, steering the chase to a successful conclusion shortly after the lunch break on day four. Their composure under pressure was evident as they methodically chased down the modest target set by the hosts. Babar’s finishing touch came in the form of two consecutive sixes off left‑arm spinner Jomel Warrican, whose earlier six‑wicket haul in the first innings had trimmed Pakistan’s lead to a mere 43 runs. "You are always satisfied with the win," Babar remarked after the match.
"The most important thing was that we executed our plans, whether it was how Abdullah Shafique batted or how the spinners operated in the second innings." One of the key tactical decisions that paid dividends was Babar’s choice to omit the in‑form fast bowler Mohammad Abbas in favor of an extra spinner. The West Indian batting line‑up struggled against the slower options, crumbling under the pressure applied by Pakistan’s spin duo.
"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 secured a 90‑run win in the first Test at Tarouba, but the conditions at the historic Queen’s Park Oval proved more conducive to spin on day four.
Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman seized the opportunity, extracting turn and bounce from a wearing surface. Their combined figures of eight wickets (Sajid 4‑32, Usman 4‑39) were instrumental in restricting the visitors to a paltry 75 runs in the second innings, a target that was chased down with ease. Key dismissals for Pakistan included Imam‑ul‑Haq, who fell for nine when Justin Greaves swooped in at slip during Jayden Seales’ opening over, and Azan Awais, bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18. Despite these early setbacks, the partnership between Shafique and Babar steadied the ship and ensured the chase was completed well within the allotted time.
West Indies opener Brandon King was unable to contribute in the second innings after sustaining a back injury on day three while effecting a spectacular direct‑hit run‑out of Babar from short cover. The injury further weakened the Caribbean side, leaving them with a thin batting line‑up that offered little resistance.
Tail‑ender Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph fell quickly to Usman’s probing deliveries, and the final wicket, Justin Greaves, was dismissed for two after edging a cross‑batted shot onto his stumps. This win marks Pakistan’s first overseas Test triumph since their 2023 victory over Sri Lanka, which came during Babar’s earlier stint as captain.
The intervening years saw Shan Masood lead the team 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 tenure ended amid mounting criticism over Pakistan’s red‑ball performances, and Babar’s reinstatement was intended to revive the side’s fortunes. While Babar’s return has not instantly reversed the trend—Pakistan still fell short in Tarouba—the win against the West Indies signals a potential turning point. The strategic use of spin, the effective execution of game plans, and the confidence displayed by the batting unit suggest that Pakistan may be regaining its footing in the demanding environment of away Test cricket.
Looking ahead, the team now turns its attention to the upcoming series against England. The lessons learned from the Queen’s Park Oval—particularly the importance of adapting to pitch conditions and leveraging spin options—could prove vital as they prepare to face another strong opponent on foreign soil. If Pakistan can maintain the discipline and tactical acumen demonstrated in this match, they may well break the pattern of away losses and re‑establish themselves as a competitive force in the longest format of the game. Fans can stay updated with the latest cricket news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action as Pakistan continues its quest to restore pride in Test cricket.