Pakistan finally put an end to an eight‑match run of defeats in overseas Test cricket on Wednesday, clinching a convincing eight‑wicket win over the West Indies. The victory not only snapped the unwanted streak but also leveled the two‑match series at 1‑1, giving the visitors a morale boost before they travel to face England. The match turned on the performances of two young batsmen in the second innings.
First‑innings centurion Abdullah Shafique, who had already made a name for himself with a hundred in the opening game, joined captain Babar Azam at the crease. Both men remained unbeaten, each contributing 24 runs as Pakistan chased down the modest target of 75 runs with six wickets in hand.
The chase was completed shortly after the lunch break on day four, confirming a series split. Babar Azam, playing his first series since being reinstated as Pakistan’s Test skipper, displayed his trademark composure under pressure. When the required run rate began to climb, he struck two consecutive sixes off left‑arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who had earlier taken six wickets in the first innings and had reduced Pakistan’s first‑innings lead to a slim 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." One of the most talked‑about tactical moves was Babar’s decision to omit his in‑form fast bowler Mohammad Abbas in favour of an extra spinner. The choice proved decisive as the West Indian batting line‑up crumbled against the slow‑bowling attack on a pitch that behaved more like a sub‑continental surface than a typical Caribbean track. "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 taken a 90‑run lead in the first Test at Tarouba, but Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman exploited the wearing Queen's Park Oval surface to great effect. Their combined figures of eight wickets (Sajid 4‑32, Usman 4‑39) forced the visitors into a low‑scoring second innings, and the team managed to chase the target with ease. This win marked the first time Pakistan have remained unbeaten in a Test series against the West Indies since the turn of the millennium. Key wickets fell early for Pakistan.
Imam‑ul‑Haq was clean bowled by Justin Greaves for nine runs in Jayden Seales’ opening over, while Azan Awais fell for 18, trapped by Shamar Joseph. These early setbacks were quickly offset by the partnership of Shafique and Babar, who guided the side home within four days. 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 Caribbean side resumed their second‑innings innings at 106‑3, needing only 60 more runs to set a target. However, the tail proved fragile; Usman swiftly dismissed Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph, while Justin Greaves, the last recognized batsman, was out for two after edging a cross‑bat shot onto his stumps.
Historically, Pakistan’s last overseas Test triumph came against Sri Lanka in 2023 during Babar’s initial stint as captain. The following years saw a period of struggle under Shan Masood’s leadership, with series defeats of 3‑0 in Australia, 2‑0 in South Africa and 2‑0 in Bangladesh.
Masood was eventually relieved of the captaincy after a string of poor red‑ball results. Although Babar’s return promised a resurgence, the early loss in Tarouba indicated that the turnaround would not be immediate. Nonetheless, the win in the second Test signals a potential shift in fortunes as the team prepares for the upcoming series against England. The victory also highlights Pakistan’s evolving strategy of adapting to conditions abroad by employing a more spin‑centric attack on pitches that favour slower, turning surfaces.
This tactical flexibility, combined with the resurgence of young talent like Shafique and the steady leadership of Babar Azam, could prove pivotal as Pakistan seeks to rebuild its reputation in Test cricket and challenge the top‑ranked nations on foreign soil. Fans can stay updated with the latest cricket news, videos, analysis and more by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp.
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