Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam Put Pakistan in Control After Strong Day Two Response: Pakistan ended the second day of the second Test against the West Indies in a commanding position after an outstanding unbeaten partnership between Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam guided the visitors to 266 for 2.
Having dismissed the West Indies for 344 earlier in the day, Pakistan responded confidently with the bat and now require just 79 more runs to erase the first-innings deficit. With eight wickets still available, the visitors have placed themselves in a strong position heading into day three.
The morning began with Pakistan wrapping up the West Indies innings after the hosts resumed overnight at 239 for 5. Justin Greaves added only a handful of runs before being dismissed for 73, while Roston Chase battled hard for 70 before becoming one of the early wickets to fall.
Sajid Khan once again proved to be Pakistan’s standout bowler, finishing with four wickets, while Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah and Ali Usman chipped in with two wickets each to complete the innings.
Pakistan’s reply started steadily but suffered an early setback when Imam-ul-Haq departed for 14. However, young opener Azan Awais continued his impressive form, playing an aggressive knock of 55. His innings featured crisp stroke play and helped Pakistan maintain a healthy scoring rate before he was dismissed with the score on 98.
From that point onward, Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam took complete control of the contest. The pair mixed patience with positive stroke-making, frustrating the West Indies attack through an unbroken partnership that steadily shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favour.
Abdullah produced a composed century, reaching three figures with a blend of solid defence and elegant boundary hitting. He remained unbeaten on 107 at stumps, registering his sixth Test hundred and ending a lengthy wait for another century in the format.
At the other end, Babar looked equally assured. The Pakistan captain played with confidence throughout his innings and finished the day unbeaten on 86. He now stands just 14 runs away from what would be his 10th Test century.
With Pakistan trailing by only 78 runs at the close of play and two well-set batters at the crease, the visitors will enter day three with a golden opportunity to secure a first-innings lead and put the West Indies under significant pressure.
Match Summary
- West Indies: 344 all out
- Justin Greaves 73
- Roston Chase 70
- Sajid Khan 4 wickets
- Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each.
- Pakistan: 266/2 (66 overs)
- Abdullah Shafique 107*
- Babar Azam 86*
- Azan Awais 55
Stumps, Day Two: Pakistan trail by 78 runs with eight wickets remaining.
