Pakistan seized control of the second Test against West Indies in Port of Spain with a disciplined batting display on Day 2, powered by an unbeaten 168-run partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam. After dismissing the hosts for 344 early in the day, Pakistan finished at 266/2, trailing by only 78 runs with eight wickets still in hand and firmly placed to dictate the remainder of the contest.
Abdullah Shafique grabs opportunity with classy century
Making his return to the playing XI in place of Shan Masood, Shafique made a powerful statement with an unbeaten 107, showcasing patience, composure and shot selection throughout his innings. The right-hander weathered the early pressure before taking full advantage as conditions became increasingly favourable for batting.
Pakistan’s innings began on a positive note with Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq providing a steady opening stand. However, West Indies found a way back into the contest before Tea. Shamar Joseph produced an excellent rising delivery to dismiss Imam, while Jomel Warrican removed the aggressive Awais, who had earlier compiled a fluent 55 after taking the attack to the bowlers.
At 139/2, the match appeared evenly balanced, but Shafique and Babar ensured Pakistan never surrendered the initiative. Their partnership was built on sound judgment outside the off stump, smart strike rotation and timely boundaries whenever the bowlers missed their lengths. Shafique eventually reached his sixth Test century with a well-controlled pull shot, marking several personal milestones. It was his first Test hundred against West Indies, his maiden century outside the Asian continent and his third overseas Test hundred overall, highlighting his growing maturity as a top-order batter.
Babar Azam returns to his best as West Indies run out of answers
While Shafique anchored one end, Babar Azam looked increasingly confident as the innings progressed. The former Pakistan captain displayed the elegance that has defined his career, producing crisp drives, back-foot punches and wristy flicks on his way to an unbeaten 86. Babar also brought up his 33rd Test half-century and appeared completely in control during the final session. Together, the pair frustrated the West Indies attack with disciplined batting, allowing very few opportunities despite spending an extended period at the crease.
West Indies’ bowling resources were further stretched after Justin Greaves was unable to bowl because of a leg injury, leaving the hosts dependent on Shamar Joseph, Warrican and part-time spin from captain Roston Chase and Kavem Hodge. Despite creating a couple of half-chances and run-out opportunities, the Caribbean side failed to capitalise.
The unbroken 168-run stand also entered Pakistan’s record books, becoming the team’s first 150-plus third-wicket partnership outside Asia since Mohammad Hafeez and Yousuf Youhana added 177 against England at The Oval in 2006.
Pakistan bowlers set up strong position after wrapping up West Indies innings
Earlier in the day, Pakistan completed the West Indies first innings for 344 after the hosts resumed at 239/5. Sajid Khan starred with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 4/85 and ensuring the lower order did not add excessive damage. Ali Usman struck early by dismissing overnight batter Justin Greaves, who added only nine runs to his overnight score before departing for 73. Ubaid Shah then removed West Indies skipper Roston Chase for a determined 70, ending an important partnership that had steadied the innings.
Although Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales contributed useful lower-order runs to push the total beyond 340, Pakistan’s spinners maintained pressure throughout the morning. Sajid wrapped up the innings by dismissing Joseph and Seales, while Usman claimed two wickets as Pakistan’s slow bowlers accounted for six wickets collectively. With only 78 runs separating the two teams and Pakistan still possessing eight wickets, the visitors will head into Day 3 as favourites to secure a valuable first-innings lead and put West Indies under significant scoreboard pressure.
What a response from Pakistan 💯
They haven’t just fought their way back into the contest – they’ve bulldozed their way back and now hold the upper hand. Trailing by just 78 runs with 8 wickets still in hand 🏏#WIvPAK #PakistanCricket #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/J34RZHIOqW
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 4, 2026
