Pakistan secured their first overseas Test win in three years with an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in Trinidad, levelling the series 1-1. Chasing 75 in Port-of-Spain, Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam both finished unbeaten on 24 as Pakistan completed the target inside 24 overs on day four of the second Test at Queen's Park Oval.
How did the match unfold on day four?
West Indies, who had won the first Test in Tarouba, resumed their second innings on 103-6 overnight after losing three wickets just before the close on day three. They were eventually bowled out for 117 within half an hour on Wednesday, with batter Brandon King absent hurt and the last three wickets falling quickly.
That left Pakistan a target of 75 after West Indies had made 344 in their first innings and Pakistan replied with 387. The tourists reached the target after lunch, with Shafique and Babar ending the contest in the sixth over after the interval.
Which bowlers made the difference?
Pakistan's spinners did most of the damage in the West Indies second innings. Ali Usman took 4-39 and Sajid Khan 4-32, with Usman, playing in only his second Test, taking two of his wickets on day four.
For the home side, Kevlon Anderson? not mentioned in source. No, the best bowling figures in the match came from Jomel Warrican, who took 6-112 in Pakistan's first innings, while Jason Greaves made 73 in West Indies' first innings and Sajid claimed 4-85.
What happened in Pakistan's chase?
Pakistan lost both openers before the target was reached. Imam-ul-Haq was caught by Jason Greaves off Jayden Seales for nine, and Azan Awais was bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18 as the score slipped to 57-2 at lunch.
Shafique, who had made 160 not out in Pakistan's first innings, and Babar, who had scored 88, then took control and finished the match in the afternoon session. Their unbroken stand ensured Pakistan avoided a series defeat after losing the opening Test.
What does the result mean for Pakistan?
The win ended a run of eight consecutive away defeats for Pakistan since they beat Sri Lanka in Colombo in July 2023. It was also their first overseas Test victory since that match, and came after a difficult stretch in which they had lost a three-match series in Australia and two-match campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh.
Pakistan will now travel to England for a three-match Test series, which begins at Headingley on Wednesday, 19 August.
Key Facts
- West Indies 344 and 117; Pakistan 387 and 77-2.
- Pakistan won by eight wickets and the series finished 1-1.
- Abdullah Shafique made 160 not out in Pakistan's first innings and 24 not out in the chase.
- Babar Azam scored 88 in the first innings and 24 not out in the chase.
- Pakistan's bowlers Ali Usman (4-39) and Sajid Khan (4-32) led the second-innings effort.
