Shafique’s unbeaten 107 and Babar Azam’s 86* leave Pakistan just 78 runs behind the West Indies with eight first-innings wickets in hand.
PORT OF SPAIN: Abdullah Shafique produced a magnificent unbeaten century as Pakistan took firm control of the second Test against the West Indies, finishing Day 2 on 266/2 at Queen’s Park Oval on Monday, just 78 runs behind the hosts’ first-innings total with eight wickets still intact.
Shafique ended the day unbeaten on 107, while captain Babar Azam remained 86 not out after the pair stitched together an unbroken century partnership that swung the momentum decisively in Pakistan’s favour.
Pakistan close in on first-innings total
Replying to the West Indies’ first-innings score of 344, Pakistan suffered an early setback when Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed by Shamar Joseph, who extracted sharp bounce to remove the left-handed opener.
However, young opener Azan Awais responded positively with an attacking innings of 55, countering the West Indies pace attack with confident stroke play. His innings featured a succession of boundaries before he was dismissed attempting a sweep shot shortly before the tea interval.
Pakistan reached tea on 139/2, well placed to build a substantial reply.
Shafique and Babar dominate evening session
The final session belonged entirely to Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam, whose disciplined and composed batting left the West Indies bowlers without success.
The pair combined caution with selective aggression, rotating the strike effectively and capitalising on scoring opportunities whenever they arose. Although boundaries became less frequent as the session progressed, neither batter offered the hosts a realistic chance.
Shafique brought up a superb unbeaten century through a patient and technically sound innings, while Babar looked equally assured, finishing the day just 14 runs short of his own hundred.
Their unbroken partnership guided Pakistan to 266/2 at stumps, reducing the deficit to only 78 runs and placing the visitors in a commanding position heading into the third day.
Sajid Khan leads Pakistan’s bowling fightback
Earlier, Pakistan wrapped up the West Indies innings after the hosts resumed the day looking to post a sizeable first-innings total.
Captain Roston Chase and Justin Greaves extended their overnight partnership, adding valuable runs before Pakistan struck with the second new ball.
Off-spinner Sajid Khan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets, while Ubaid Shah and Ali Usman provided crucial support as the West Indies were eventually dismissed for 344.
Pakistan’s disciplined bowling effort ensured the hosts were unable to build on their overnight position.
Pakistan eye first-innings lead
With Shafique and Babar firmly established at the crease, Pakistan will begin Day 3 aiming to erase the remaining deficit quickly and build a substantial first-innings lead.
A sizeable advantage would place considerable pressure on the West Indies in the latter stages of the match, particularly if the pitch continues to offer increasing assistance to the spinners.
Play is scheduled to resume at 2:00 pm GMT on Tuesday, although the start time may vary slightly following the early commencement of play on Day 2. Pakistan will be looking to convert their dominant batting position into a decisive advantage in the second Test.