Key Takeaways
- Pakistan beat West Indies by eight wickets to draw the series.
- Abdullah Shafique's unbeaten 160 was crucial for Pakistan’s victory.
- Sajid Khan and Ali Usman starred with the ball, claiming a combined ten wickets.
Pakistan secured an impressive eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Wednesday, drawing the series. This result mirrored their previous campaign in 2021 when they also rebounded from losing the first Test to take the second.
The match was a personal triumph for Abdullah Shafique, who had only joined the team last week as a replacement for injured Shan Masood. His unbeaten 160 not out laid the foundation for Pakistan’s total of 387 in their first innings.
Captain Babar Azam and his team capitalized on West Indies’ overnight lead of just 60 runs, dismissing them for 117 within half an hour of play starting. Babar’s consecutive sixes off spinner Jomel Warrican sealed the result, ensuring Pakistan’s victory.
Pakistan’s spinners played a pivotal role in securing the win. Sajid Khan, who was not picked for the first Test, took eight wickets for 117 across both innings. Ali Usman also contributed with four wickets for 39 in the second innings.
West Indies were hampered by the absence of regular opening batsman Brandon King, who missed out due to back spasms. First-innings top-scorer Justin Greaves will carry on into the fourth morning, while uncertainty surrounds the availability of King to bat.
The match was played on a deteriorating pitch that offered sharp turn and variable bounce, creating an exciting contest for both teams. West Indies started the day in a comfortable position but their captain Babar Azam’s error led to a gradual slide as the last eight wickets fell for 106 runs.
This victory marks Pakistan’s first Test win at Queen’s Park Oval since 1977, when Mushtaq Mohammad’s all-round performance took his team to a series-levelling win. West Indies won the decider in Kingston that year, taking the rubber 2-1.
