Pakistan delivered one of their most comprehensive overseas performances in recent years, triumphing over West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, thus leveling the two-match series at 1-1.
The visitors successfully chased a modest target of 75 runs on the fourth day, following their spinners’ dismantling of the West Indies batting order in the second innings. This victory marked the end of Pakistan’s nine-year wait for a Test win in the Caribbean, with their last success in the region occurring under Misbah-ul-Haq’s captaincy in 2017, and it also represented their first away Test win in four years.
The win showcased a remarkable turnaround after Pakistan faced a 90-run defeat in the series opener. In a bid to avoid a series loss, the tourists responded with disciplined batting, relentless spin bowling, and composed play over four days, ensuring that the series ended in a draw.
Spin dominance
West Indies began the fourth morning at 103 for six, already under significant pressure after conceding a 43-run deficit in the first innings. Pakistan’s bowlers quickly tightened their grip, allowing the hosts to add just 14 runs before the innings concluded at 117 in 46.1 overs.
Ali Usman and Sajid Khan were the main contributors to the damage, each claiming four wickets as Pakistan’s spin attack once again proved crucial on a pitch that offered increasing assistance. Mohammad Ali added one wicket to the tally, while the hosts were further hampered by Brandon King’s inability to bat due to injury.
Kavem Hodge provided the only significant resistance with a score of 34 runs, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul and captain Roston Chase each contributed 17 runs. Justin Greaves remained stranded at the crease as wickets fell around him, with Pakistan’s bowlers maintaining relentless accuracy and capitalizing on every hint of turn available. By lunch, West Indies had given up all hopes of setting a challenging target, leaving Pakistan needing just 75 runs for victory.
The groundwork for Pakistan’s triumph was established through a dominant first-innings batting performance. In response to the West Indies’ total of 344, Pakistan scored 387, securing a vital 43-run lead that ultimately led to their victory.
Abdullah Shafique was the star of the match, scoring an impressive unbeaten 160, showcasing patience, composure, and exceptional shot selection during his lengthy innings. This performance not only marked his highest Test score away from home but also made him the first Pakistani batsman since 1977 to achieve a score of 150 or more in a Test innings in the West Indies.
Babar Azam appeared poised to break his long wait for a Test century but fell short at 88, while young opener Azan Awais continued to impress in his Test debut with a valuable 55. Sajid Khan added an important 30 runs lower in the order, ensuring that Pakistan’s batting lineup provided a significant advantage heading into the final innings.
Despite the West Indies making early inroads, the chase was rarely in doubt. Pakistan lost two wickets but maintained control throughout the run chase, with Abdullah Shafique carrying his first-innings confidence into the second and Babar Azam remaining not out as the team comfortably reached their target.
In addition to leveling the series, this victory marked a significant achievement for Pakistan’s red-ball team. It was their first Test win on West Indies soil since the memorable 2017 victory under Misbah-ul-Haq and ended a four-year drought for an away Test win. Following the disappointment of the first Test, Pakistan bounced back with a disciplined performance that combined resilience with effective execution in both batting and bowling.