Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten century and Babar Azam’s composed 86 guided Pakistan to 266-2, putting the visitors in a strong position after West Indies posted 344.
WEBDESK – ZAINAB MIRAJ – SHARJAH NEWS
Pakistan produced an impressive batting display on the second day of the second Test against the West Indies, finishing at 266-2 in reply to the hosts’ first-innings total of 344 at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.
Leading the recovery were Abdullah Shafique, who remained unbeaten on 107, and captain Babar Azam, who ended the day unbeaten on 86. Their unbroken 168-run partnership for the third wicket shifted momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour after the team’s disappointing batting performance in the opening Test.
Shafique Marks Return With Brilliant Century
Called into the squad as an emergency replacement following Shan Masood’s finger injury, Abdullah Shafique seized his opportunity with a composed and confident innings.
Batting at number three, the right-hander reached his sixth Test century, scoring 107 not out from 185 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and two sixes.
Having lost his place after the home series against South Africa last year, Shafique made a strong statement with an innings built on patience, disciplined shot selection and timely attacking strokes.
Babar Azam Provides Stability
Pakistan captain Babar Azam once again led from the front with the bat, producing a calm and elegant innings after remaining unbeaten in the second innings of the opening Test.
His 86 not out came from 126 balls and included ten fours and one six. Babar rotated the strike effectively while ensuring Shafique remained focused throughout their match-defining partnership.
The skipper’s innings also helped answer criticism following Pakistan’s batting collapse in the first Test, where the visitors were dismissed for just 120.
West Indies Miss Key Opportunities
West Indies extended their overnight total to 344 earlier in the day through valuable contributions from Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase, who scored 73 and 70 respectively.
Pakistan’s bowling attack eventually wrapped up the innings, with off-spinner Sajid Khan claiming four wickets while Ubaid Shah removed Chase at a crucial stage.
However, the hosts struggled to maintain pressure during Pakistan’s reply, especially with injuries limiting the effectiveness of key bowlers.
Pakistan Eye First-Innings Lead
Pakistan’s batting coach Asad Shafique praised the outstanding partnership, describing it as the type of performance the team had been missing in recent Test matches.
With eight wickets still in hand and both set batters well placed to continue, Pakistan now has an excellent opportunity to build a substantial first-innings lead and level the two-match series after losing the opening Test by 90 runs.
The third day’s play will be crucial as Pakistan looks to convert its strong position into a commanding advantage.
