Returning opener anchors Pakistan’s innings with a marathon century as tourists gain a 43-run first-innings lead in the second Test.
Pakistan strengthened their grip on the second Test against the West Indies after Abdullah Shafique produced a magnificent unbeaten 160 to guide the visitors to a valuable 43-run first-innings lead on the third day at Queen’s Park Oval on Tuesday.
Resuming their innings after lunch at 333/6, Pakistan added another 54 runs before being bowled out for 387 in 115 overs. Shafique remained unbeaten throughout the innings, delivering a patient and composed knock that proved decisive in giving his side a crucial advantage.
The returning opener stood firm despite wickets falling around him and finished with an impressive 160 off 323 deliveries. His marathon innings included 15 boundaries and three sixes, underlining his resilience and shot-making ability on a challenging surface.
Pakistan’s lower order also made useful contributions, particularly Sajid Khan, who supported Shafique with a valuable 30 from 72 balls. The pair extended their seventh-wicket partnership to 59 runs before Jayden Seales broke the stand by dismissing Sajid behind the wickets.
Ali Usman chipped in with 10 runs before falling to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Warrican then wrapped up Pakistan’s innings in dramatic fashion by removing Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Ali in the same over, both without scoring.
The spinner finished as the standout bowler for the hosts with outstanding figures of 6/112 from 46 overs. Shamar Joseph claimed two wickets, while Seales added one to his tally.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed at 266/3 with Babar Azam and Shafique continuing their overnight partnership. However, the visitors suffered an early setback when a mix-up between the two batters resulted in Babar being run out for a well-made 88, courtesy of a direct hit from Brandon King.
The dismissal sparked a brief collapse as debutant Awais Zafar and Salman Ali Agha departed within six deliveries, leaving Pakistan under pressure. Mohammad Rizwan then joined Shafique and added a steady 25-run partnership before being dismissed for 18.
Despite the middle-order wobble, Shafique held the innings together with remarkable composure, ensuring Pakistan posted a competitive total and secured a 43-run first-innings lead, placing the visitors in a strong position as the second Test heads into its decisive stages.