Pakistan enjoyed its most productive day of the two-match series on Monday, finishing Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies at 266-2. Abdullah Shafique anchored the innings with an unbeaten 107, while captain Babar Azam remained not out on 86 as the pair forged a dominant 168-run partnership for the third wicket.
The West Indies, who currently lead the series following a 90-run victory in the opener, were dismissed for 344 in their first innings right at the lunch break. The hosts had resumed the day at 239-5, with Justin Greaves top-scoring with 73 and Roston Chase contributing a resilient 70. Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by off-spinner Sajid Khan, who claimed 4-85, while Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah, and second-Test player Ali Usman each picked up two wickets.
Pakistan’s reply began steadily, with Azan Awais hitting his maiden Test half-century. After sharing a 34-run opening stand with Imam-ul-Haq (14) and a 64-run second-wicket partnership with Shafique, Awais was dismissed for 55. He fell lbw to Jomel Warrican after a successful West Indies review showed the ball would have struck the leg stump.
Following the dismissal, Babar joined Shafique at the crease, and the duo quickly shifted the momentum. They added 100 runs in just 139 balls, with both batters reaching their respective half-centuries. Shafique’s milestone included four boundaries and two sixes, while Babar’s 33rd Test fifty featured eight fours.
Shafique’s century, reached off 173 balls, marked his first in the format since October 2024 against England. Having missed the first Test of this series, the batter made a successful return to the lineup after last appearing against South Africa in October. The visitors now trail by only 78 runs, benefiting from improved batting conditions compared to the spin-friendly pitch encountered on the opening day.
Despite the strong position, Pakistan will be wary of recent trends, as the team has struggled with second-innings collapses. In the first Test, they managed 282 in the opening innings before being bundled out for just 120, a trend they will look to avoid as they aim to level the series.
Batting was tricky on Day 1 when the pitch favored the slow bowlers.
He then added 64 for the second wicket with Shafique before being trapped lbw by Jomel Warrican when he missed an attempted sweep.
Babar joined Shafique and showed his intention to play aggressively and keep Pakistan on the front foot, the pair adding 100 runs from only 139 balls.
