PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten century and a fluent 86 from Babar Azam put Pakistan in a dominant position on Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Queen’s Park Oval, closing the day on 266 for 2 and trailing by just 78 runs.
Responding to West Indies’ first-innings total of 344, Pakistan’s top order asserted control with positive run-scoring throughout the day. Opener Azan Awais set the tempo early, stroke-filled with 10 boundaries in a 71-ball 55 before being trapped lbw by Jomel Warrican. Shamar Joseph provided the early breakthrough for the hosts by removing Imam-ul-Haq for 14, but Pakistan’s middle order took firm charge thereafter.
Shafique anchored the innings masterfully, reaching 107 off 185 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. He was joined by Babar Azam, who accelerated the scoring with an unbeaten 86 off 126 deliveries. The pair combined for an unbroken third-wicket stand to leave the West Indies bowlers searching for answers under tough conditions.
For the West Indies, Warrican (1/75) and Joseph (1/58) were the sole wicket-takers as the bowling attack struggled to contain Pakistan’s scoring rate of 4.03 runs per over across 66 overs.
Play will resume on Day 3 at the Queen’s Park Oval with Pakistan well-placed to build a significant first-innings lead.
Match Summary:
West Indies First Innings: 344 all out (105.4 overs)
Pakistan First Innings: 266/2 (66.0 overs) – Abdullah Shafique 107, Babar Azam 86, Azan Awais 55; Shamar Joseph 1/58, Jomel Warrican 1/75
Status: Pakistan trail by 78 runs with 8 wickets remaining.
