Pakistan ended a three-year drought for overseas Test victories by defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in Port-of-Spain. The result at Queen’s Park Oval leveled the two-match series at 1-1, following the hosts’ initial win in Tarouba.
Resuming the fourth day at 103-6, the West Indies struggled to build on their slim lead. The home side was dismissed for 117 within half an hour on Wednesday, with Brandon King unable to bat due to injury. Spinners Ali Usman, appearing in only his second Test, and Sajid Khan were instrumental, finishing with figures of 4-39 and 4-32, respectively.
Set a target of 75 runs to win, Pakistan navigated a brief period of pressure before sealing the match. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais were dismissed for nine and 18, respectively, leaving the tourists at 57-2 by the lunch interval. However, Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam—who had anchored the first-innings total of 387 with scores of 160 not out and 88—returned to guide the side home. Both finished unbeaten on 24 as Pakistan reached the target inside 24 overs.
The West Indies had posted 344 in their first innings, led by Jason Greaves’ 73, while Jomel Warrican claimed 6-112 for the hosts. Pakistan’s first-innings response was bolstered by Sajid Khan’s 4-85.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for Pakistan, snapping a streak of eight consecutive away defeats. Their previous overseas Test win occurred in Colombo against Sri Lanka in July 2023. Since then, the team had endured series losses in Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh.
With this series concluded, Pakistan now shifts its focus to a three-match Test series in England. The tour is scheduled to commence at Headingley on Wednesday, 19 August.
The match concluded on day four, providing a morale-boosting finish for the visitors as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming English summer.
Pakistan 387 (Shafique 160*, Babar 88; Warrican 6-112) & 77-2
Pakistan completed their first overseas Test win in three years with an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in Trinidad to draw the series 1-1.
