Shafaqna Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique scored his sixth Test century, while Babar Azam moved within sight of a hundred as Pakistan finished day two of the second Test against the West Indies on 266-2 in reply to the hosts’ first-innings total of 344 in Trinidad on Monday.
Having arrived in the Caribbean only days earlier as an emergency replacement, Shafique produced a composed and authoritative unbeaten knock of 107 from 185 balls at Queen’s Park Oval, striking 10 fours and two sixes.
Babar also remained unbeaten at stumps on 86, following up his resilient 58 not out in the second innings of the first Test with another assured performance.
The former Pakistan captain faced 126 deliveries during his innings, hitting 10 boundaries and one six as he helped put his side in a strong position.
Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168.
Recalled after Shan Masood’s finger injury, Shafique looked at ease in the unfamiliar position of number three when he replaced Imam-ul-Haq, who was dismissed by Shamar Joseph.
It was his first opportunity since losing his place after the South Africa series at home last October.
He put on 64 attractive runs with Azan Awais, the opener flaying 10 fours in a 71-ball 55 before being adjudged lbw on television review to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.
Babar got into stride almost immediately and with the West Indies hampered by the unavailability of first Test match-winner Justin Greaves with a leg injury and captain Roston Chase ineffective with his off-spinners because of a lacerated finger, the tourists’ task was made that bit easier.
Earlier, West Indies extended their first innings by 109 runs in the elongated morning session but that effort was put into context by the ease with the Pakistani top-order gathered runs in reply.
All-rounder Greaves and overnight partner Chase pushed their sixth-wicket stand to 96 before the summoning of the second new ball, unexpectedly in the hands of spinner Ali Usman, brought the breakthrough when Greaves, on 73, sliced an ambitious heave to point.
Fast-medium bowler Ubaid Shah then bowled Chase for 70 and despite more typically stubborn resistance from Kemar Roach, Sajid Khan claimed the last three wickets, the off-spinner finishing with the best figures of four for 85.
Source: Dunya News
