Shafaqna Pakistan: Pakistan delivered one of their finest overseas Test performances in recent years, defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain to level the two-match series 1-1.
The visitors comfortably chased down a target of 75 on the fourth day after their spin bowlers dismantled the West Indies batting line-up in the second innings. The victory ended Pakistan’s nine-year wait for a Test win in the Caribbean, their previous success having come under Misbah-ul-Haq’s captaincy in 2017. It also marked Pakistan’s first away Test triumph in four years.
The result capped an impressive comeback after Pakistan had lost the opening Test by 90 runs. Facing the prospect of a series defeat, the tourists responded with resilient batting, incisive spin bowling and disciplined performances throughout the match to earn a share of the series honours.
Spin strikes
West Indies resumed the fourth morning on 103 for six, already under immense pressure after conceding a 43-run first-innings deficit. Pakistan’s bowlers wasted little time in tightening their grip, allowing the hosts to add only 14 runs before the innings ended at 117 in 46.1 overs.
Ali Usman and Sajid Khan shared the bulk of the damage, taking four wickets each as Pakistan’s spin attack once again proved decisive on a surface offering increasing assistance. Mohammad Ali chipped in with one wicket, while the hosts were further weakened by Brandon King, who was unable to bat because of injury.
Kavem Hodge offered the only notable resistance with 34 runs, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul and captain Roston Chase scored 17 each. Justin Greaves remained stranded at the crease as wickets tumbled around him, with Pakistan’s bowlers maintaining relentless accuracy and exploiting every hint of turn available. By lunch, West Indies had surrendered all hopes of setting a challenging target, leaving Pakistan requiring only 75 runs for victory.
Shafique shines
The foundations of Pakistan’s victory, however, had been laid with a commanding first-innings batting effort. Replying to West Indies’ 344, Pakistan accumulated 387 to seize a crucial 43-run lead that ultimately proved match-winning.
Abdullah Shafique delivered the standout innings of the match with a magnificent unbeaten 160, displaying patience, composure and immaculate shot selection over a marathon stay at the crease. The opener’s innings was not only his highest Test score away from home but also made him the first Pakistan batter since 1977 to score 150 or more in a Test innings in the West Indies.
Babar Azam looked set to end his lengthy wait for a Test century before falling for a fluent 88, while young opener Azan Awais continued his impressive introduction to Test cricket with a valuable 55. Sajid Khan also contributed an important 30 lower down the order as Pakistan’s batting unit ensured the visitors carried a decisive advantage into the final innings.
The chase rarely caused concern despite West Indies making early breakthroughs. Pakistan lost two wickets but remained firmly in control throughout the pursuit, with Abdullah Shafique carrying his confidence from the first innings into the chase and Babar Azam remaining unbeaten as the visitors comfortably crossed the finish line.
Beyond levelling the series, the result represented a significant milestone for Pakistan’s red-ball side. It was their first Test victory on West Indies soil since the memorable 2017 triumph under Misbah-ul-Haq and ended a four-year wait for an away Test win. After the disappointment of the opening Test, Pakistan responded with a disciplined display that combined resilience with clinical execution in both batting and bowling departments.
Source: Dunya News
