Pakistan captain says disciplined execution and NCA preparation helped secure an eight-wicket win over West Indies and end a prolonged away Test losing streak.
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam praised opener Abdullah Shafique and the spin duo of Sajid Khan and Ali Usman for executing the team’s plans effectively during Pakistan’s emphatic victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval.
The win allowed Pakistan to level the two-match series 1-1 while ending a frustrating run of nine consecutive away Test defeats.
Babar, who was reinstated as Pakistan’s Test captain ahead of the series by replacing Shan Masood, endured a disappointing start after the visitors suffered a 90-run defeat in the opening Test.
However, Pakistan responded strongly in the second match, registering a convincing eight-wicket victory through disciplined batting and an outstanding bowling display.
The skipper also made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring a composed half-century in the first innings before remaining unbeaten on 24 during the successful run chase.
Following the victory, Babar expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and highlighted the importance of sticking to the game plan throughout the match.
He acknowledged Abdullah Shafique’s valuable innings in the first innings and credited Sajid Khan and Ali Usman for making the most of the spin-friendly conditions in the second innings.
Babar also said the success reflected months of preparation, revealing that Pakistan had been training for the tour during a dedicated red-ball camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore over the past three months.
Pakistan’s team selection for the decisive Test attracted widespread attention after experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was left out despite his impressive performance in the series opener.
Abbas had claimed eight wickets, including his seventh five-wicket haul in Test cricket, making his omission one of the biggest talking points ahead of the match.
Explaining the decision, Babar said the pitch closely resembled surfaces commonly found in Pakistan.
As a result, the team management opted to strengthen the spin attack by including an additional spinner, a tactical move that altered the overall balance of the playing XI and required some senior players to miss out.
The strategy proved successful as Pakistan’s spin bowlers played a decisive role in securing the victory and helping the visitors draw the series.
Babar also provided an update on the injury he sustained after being struck on his right hand by the first delivery he faced in the second innings.
He said the finger remained slightly sore due to bruising but confirmed that the injury was not serious and would not be a major concern going forward.