Port of Spain: Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten century and captain Babar Azam’s fluent 86 put Pakistan firmly in control on day 2 of the 2nd Test against West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval. Pakistan closed the day on 266 for 2, trailing West Indies’ first-innings total of 344 by 78 runs. Abdullah 107 and Babar 86 added an unbroken 168 runs for the third wicket to take the game away from the hosts in the final two sessions.
Pakistan bowlers wrap up West Indies for 344. Resuming on 239 for 5, West Indies added 105 runs before being bowled out.
Ali Usman struck first in the morning when Justin Greaves, on 73, got a leading edge that was caught by debutant Awais Zafar. Ubaid Shah then removed *Roston Chase* for 70 off 126 with his first ball of the day, before Sajid Khan mopped up the tail. Sajid finished with 4 for 85 as the pick of the bowlers. Mohammad Ali,Ubaid Shah* and Ali Usman took two wickets each.
Abdullah and Babar dominate after early wicket. Pakistan’s reply started well despite the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq for 14. Opener Azan Awais kept the scoring going with an attacking 55 off 71 balls, including 10 fours. He fell at 98 for 2, bringing Abdullah and Babar together.
From there, Pakistan took complete control. Abdullah mixed solid defence with big shots to reach his 6th Test century and first since 2024 off 173 balls. He ended unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes.
Babar was equally composed. He reached his fifty off 67 balls and closed on 86_ off 126 balls with 10 fours and a six. The captain will resume on day 3 just 14 runs short of his 10th Test hundred.
With 8 wickets in hand and the deficit under 80, Pakistan are well placed to take a first-innings lead when play resumes on day 3.
Brief scores:
West Indies 344 (Roston Chase 70, Justin Greaves 73; Sajid Khan 4/85)
Pakistan 266/2 (Abdullah Shafique 107, Babar Azam 86, Azan Awais 55)
Pakistan trail by 78 runs.
