Abdullah, Babar put Pakistan in command of second West Indies Test

Pakistan enjoyed a productive second day of the second Test against the West Indies as their bowlers wrapped up the home side’s first innings before Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam produced an unbeaten partnership that shifted the momentum at the Queen’s Park Oval.

How did Pakistan end the West Indies innings?

Resuming on 239 for five, the West Indies added 105 more runs before being dismissed for 344. Justin Greaves extended his overnight score to 73 but fell early in the morning session when Ali Usman induced a leading edge that was comfortably caught by debutant Awais Zafar.

Ubaid Shah then made an immediate impact by removing Roston Chase with the first ball of his spell after the all-rounder had reached 70. Sajid Khan cleaned up the tail to finish with outstanding figures of four for 85, while Mohammad Ali, Ubaid and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each.

Who turned the tide with the bat?

Pakistan’s reply began with positive intent despite the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq for 14. Azan Awais continued his impressive start to Test cricket, striking a brisk 55 from 71 deliveries with 10 boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving.

After Azan departed at 98 for two, Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam seized complete control of the contest. The pair blended patience with attacking stroke play, frustrating the West Indies attack while steadily reducing the deficit through an unbroken 168-run stand for the third wicket.

Can Pakistan take complete control on day three?

Abdullah produced a timely return to form, bringing up his sixth Test century and first since 2024 from 173 deliveries. He finished unbeaten on 107 from 185 balls, decorated with 10 fours and two towering sixes.

At the other end, Babar looked equally assured throughout his innings. The Pakistan captain reached his fifty in just 67 balls before closing the day unbeaten on 86 from 126 deliveries, including 10 fours and a six.

Pakistan ended day two on 266 for two, trailing the West Indies by only 78 runs. With Abdullah well set and Babar just 14 runs away from his 10th Test century, the visitors will head into day three with a golden opportunity to build a commanding first-innings lead.