Pakistan looks to level series in second West Indies Test

Pakistan will have the opportunity to salvage the series when they take on the West Indies in the second and final Test at the historic Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, beginning on August 2.

Can Pakistan recover after first Test collapse?

The visitors head into the contest under pressure after suffering a 90-run defeat in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, where a dramatic batting collapse exposed Pakistan's long-standing struggles against quality fast bowling. Chasing 211 for victory, Pakistan were bundled out for just 120 after losing seven wickets for 64 runs, allowing the West Indies to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

With both teams also looking to improve their positions in the World Test Championship standings, the second Test carries added significance. Pakistan currently sit ninth in the table, one place below the eighth-placed West Indies, making a series-levelling victory crucial to keeping their campaign alive.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed remains optimistic despite the disappointing defeat and believes Pakistan have what it takes to bounce back.

"We are hopeful of making a comeback in the second Test. Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique are available for selection, but the final decision will depend on the conditions," Sarfaraz said.

Will Pakistan make changes to their playing XI?

Pakistan is expected to reshuffle their lineup following both injury concerns and batting failures.

The biggest setback is the loss of experienced batter Shan Masood, who has been ruled out after fracturing his finger during the first Test. Masood sustained the injury when he was struck on the left index finger by a delivery from Jayden Seales while batting in Pakistan's first innings.

Medical assessments confirmed that the injury would keep him out of the series finale, with the left-hander currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of the Pakistan medical staff.

His absence opens the door for changes at the top of the order. Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel, both added to the squad after Abdullah Fazal was ruled out before the series with a back injury, are strong contenders to return. Uncapped right-handed batter Awais Zafar is another option and could earn his Test debut if Pakistan opt for fresh faces.

Pakistan may also rethink their bowling combination. Specialist spinner Ali Usman, who went wicketless in the first innings and did not bowl in the second, could make way for an additional batter after Pakistan's batting unit failed in both innings.

Can West Indies maintain their fast-bowling dominance?

While Pakistan search for answers, the West Indies will enter the second Test full of confidence after their pace attack completely dictated the opening match.

Jayden Seales was the star of the show, claiming 5 for 20 in the fourth innings to dismantle Pakistan's chase. The five-wicket haul was his fourth in Test cricket and his first on home soil, taking his tally to 108 Test wickets before the age of 25. Only legendary fast bowler Wes Hall has claimed more Test wickets for the West Indies before turning 25.

Seales' match-winning spell capped a remarkable effort from the home side's seamers, who claimed all 40 wickets during the Test. It marked the first time every wicket in a Test match in the Caribbean had fallen to fast bowlers and only the sixth such instance in Test history.

Justin Greaves also played a decisive role after producing a sensational spell of 5 for 27 in Pakistan's first innings. His five consecutive wicket maidens, a first in Test cricket, sparked Pakistan's collapse from 244 for 3 to 282 all out and earned him his second successive Player of the Match award.

Greaves said the bowling unit simply stuck to a disciplined plan.

"This performance is right up there. Whatever it takes to get the team over the line, I always put my best foot forward," he said.

He also revealed that the bowlers modelled their approach on Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas.

"I mimicked Mohammad Abbas' fuller lengths when he bowled against us in the first and second innings and it pretty much worked out for us."

Captain Roston Chase praised the collective contribution from the side rather than relying on individual brilliance.

"I love how this team is going. It is not dependent on one or two guys, but everyone is chipping in," Chase said.

Does history favour the hosts?

History suggests the West Indies will begin as favourites at Queen's Park Oval.

The venue has hosted six previous Tests between the two nations, with the West Indies winning three, Pakistan two and one match ending in a draw. Their last meeting at the ground came in 1993 when the hosts secured a commanding 204-run victory.

The West Indies are also unbeaten in their last six Tests at Queen's Park Oval and will be aiming to extend that impressive run. An unchanged XI appears likely after their dominant display in the opening Test, with the pace attack once again expected to lead the charge.

Beyond the series itself, the hosts have another milestone within reach. Victory would secure consecutive Test series wins for the first time since 2022 and their first home Test series triumph over Pakistan since 2000.

For Pakistan, however, the equation is straightforward. With selection changes expected and pride on the line, the visitors must quickly overcome their batting frailties if they are to prevent the West Indies from completing a memorable home series victory.