Pakistan beat West Indies by eight wickets in the second and final Test at Queen's Park Oval on Wednesday, drawing the two-match series 1-1 with a composed performance in Trinidad.
Set a modest target of 75, Pakistan's chase did not begin as planned. Experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq departed for nine in the fifth over, leaving the tourists at 15/1 and briefly giving the hosts hope of an unlikely fightback.
However, Abdullah Shafique and debutant opener Azan Awais steadied the innings with a patient 27-run partnership, ensuring there were no further jitters as Pakistan edged closer to victory.
Who guided Pakistan across the finish line?
Awais looked comfortable during his knock of 18 before being bowled by Shamar Joseph, opening the door for captain Babar Azam to join Shafique at the crease.
The experienced pair ensured there would be no late drama. At lunch on day four, Pakistan were firmly in control on 57/2, requiring just 18 more runs for victory.
Shafique and Babar remained unbeaten on 24 each as Pakistan completed the chase in 23.3 overs to secure a morale-boosting win and square the series.
How did Pakistan's bowlers wrap up the West Indies innings?
The foundation for victory had been laid earlier in the day by Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack.
West Indies resumed on 103/6 but could add only 14 more runs before being dismissed for 117. Their task became even tougher as Brandon King, who suffered a lower-back injury on day three, did not return to bat.
Left-arm spinner Usman struck immediately after play resumed, removing Kemar Roach for a duck before Mohammad Ali dismissed Justin Greaves for three. Usman then returned to end Shamar Joseph's resistance, restricting the hosts to a below-par total and leaving Pakistan with a manageable target.
Usman and Sajid Khan shared the bowling honours with four wickets each, while Mohammad Ali chipped in with one scalp in another disciplined display.
What lies ahead for Pakistan?
With the series level at 1-1, Pakistan will now shift focus to a much sterner challenge—a three-match Test series in England. The tour begins at Leeds on August 19, before the action moves to Lord's on August 27 and concludes at Birmingham on September 9, where Pakistan will look to build on the confidence gained from their spirited comeback in the Caribbean.
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