Shafique Century, Babar’s Unbeaten 86 Put Pakistan in Command Against West Indies

Abdullah Shafique marked his return with a composed century, while captain Babar Azam added an unbeaten 86 to put Pakistan in a strong position in the second Test against West Indies at Port of Spain.

Following a strong start, Pakistan ended the day on 266/2, reducing the first-innings deficit to 78 runs. Both Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam went back to the pavilion unbeaten, keeping the visitors firmly in control.

Abdullah, who was playing his first Test for Pakistan since October 2025, continued to lead the scoring charts with an unbeaten 107 off 185 balls. Meanwhile, Babar moved closer to his first Test century against West Indies, remaining unbeaten on 86 off 126 deliveries with 10 fours and a six.

The pair resumed Pakistan’s first innings from 139/2 after West Indies were bowled out for 344. They dominated the home bowlers in the final session and extended their unbeaten third-wicket partnership to 168 runs.

Pakistan had a mixed start to their innings as they lost experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq in the eighth over with only 34 runs on the scoreboard. Imam scored 14 runs off 17 balls, including two fours, before returning to the pavilion.

After the early setback, Abdullah Shafique joined young opener Azan Awais and the pair took control of the innings. They put pressure on the West Indies bowlers and added 64 runs for the second wicket from 80 deliveries.

Jomel Warrican brought West Indies back into the game in the 21st over when he removed Azan Awais. The left-arm spinner trapped the opener lbw after Awais played a confident knock of 55 from 71 balls, including 10 fours.

Babar Azam then arrived at the crease and joined Abdullah Shafique in the middle. The Pakistan captain settled in quickly and kept the scoreboard moving with an unbeaten 41-run stand to end the second session on a positive note.

Abdullah then returned in the final session with a brilliant century, while Babar also showcased his vintage class to score unbeaten 86 at the end of the day.

Earlier on the second day, West Indies continued their first innings from 239/5 with Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase at the crease. They added 105 more runs with the lower order before Pakistan dismissed them for 344 in 105.4 overs.

Sajid Khan was Pakistan’s best bowler in the first innings, as he returned with the figures of 4/85 from 32.4 overs. Besides him, Mohammad Ali, Usman and Ubaid also made useful contributions by taking two wickets each.