Key Takeaways
- Pakistan captain Babar Azam credits his side's ability to learn and adapt for their victory over the West Indies.
- The team ended an eight-match losing streak away from home with a decisive eight-wicket win in Port-of-Spain.
- Left-arm spinner Ali Usman made a successful Test debut, taking six wickets in the series.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has praised his team's adaptability after their hard-fought victory over the West Indies in the second Test match at Queen’s Park Oval. The win came as part of a two-match series that ended with both teams level, marking an end to Pakistan's eight-match losing streak away from home.
Speaking to reporters post-match, Babar highlighted how the team had worked hard over the past months and responded positively after their defeat in the first Test match at Tarouba. 'Whenever you win, it gives you confidence,' he said, adding that the team had discussed their mistakes and focused on areas for improvement.
The victory was particularly significant as Pakistan opted for a spin-oriented attack despite the initial pace-friendly conditions of the pitch. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman and off-spinner Sajid Khan shared 14 wickets between them to dismantle the West Indies, showcasing the team's ability to adapt based on the playing surface.
Babar also defended his decision to leave out experienced seamer Mohammad Abbas in favor of a different bowling balance, stating that such decisions are made according to the pitch and what the team needs. 'Abbas is one of our best red-ball bowlers, but sometimes you have to make decisions according to the pitch and what the team needs,' he observed.
The series also marked a successful introduction to Test cricket for Ali Usman, who took six wickets in the second Test match. Speaking alongside Sajid Khan in a Pakistan Cricket Board video, Usman admitted feeling nervous during his debut but credited strong domestic performances with giving him confidence. 'There was naturally some pressure in the first Test because you are representing your country,' he said.
For Sajid Khan, the partnership with Usman made things easier as they kept discussing their plans and bowled together. He rated dismissing West Indies captain Roston Chase as his favorite wicket of the series, describing it as a crucial breakthrough against a batter who played spin particularly well.
The victory has injected much-needed confidence into Pakistan's team ahead of their upcoming Test tour of England, with Babar expressing hope that this win will boost morale and performance. 'We had worked very hard over the last couple of months in preparation for these Test matches,' he said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability.
Whenever you win, it gives you confidence.
Babar Azam, Pakistan captain
There was naturally some pressure in the first Test because you are representing your country.
Ali Usman, Left-arm spinner
