Pakistan secures away Test victory against West Indies in Trinidad
Pakistan ends three-year away Test win drought
Pakistan achieved their first Test victory away from home in three years, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in Trinidad. This win levelled the two-match series at 1-1. The match, held at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain, concluded on day four of five.
Chasing a target of 75 runs, Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam both remained unbeaten on 24 runs. The visiting team completed the chase within 24 overs. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Pakistan, ending a streak of eight consecutive away defeats since their win against Sri Lanka in Colombo in July 2023.
Shafique’s historic innings and West Indies’ challenge
Earlier in the match, Abdullah Shafique played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 160 runs. This performance made him the first Pakistan batter since 1977 to score more than 150 runs in a Test match in the West Indies. He became only the fifth Pakistan batter to surpass 150 runs in Tests in the Caribbean, with the last instance being Majid Khan’s 167 runs in Guyana in 1977.
Shafique’s innings, which included 15 fours and three sixes, helped propel Pakistan to a total of 387 runs in their first innings, securing an overall lead of 43 runs. Despite Jomel Warrican’s efforts, who took six wickets for 112 runs for West Indies, Shafique appeared comfortable at the crease.
The West Indies faced challenges, particularly with the absence of Brandon King due to a back complaint. A statement from West Indies confirmed that King was experiencing lower back muscle spasms and was being monitored by the team’s medical staff, preventing him from returning to the field. This situation impacted their second innings, where they were reduced to 103 for six at stumps on the third day.
The home side had resumed their second innings on 103 for six overnight, having lost three wickets just before the close of play on day three. They were eventually bowled out for 117 runs within half an hour on Wednesday, losing their remaining three wickets. Brandon King was absent hurt and unable to bat in the second innings.
Pakistan’s spinners, Ali Usman and Sajid Khan, were instrumental in the West Indies’ second innings collapse. Sajid Khan claimed four wickets for 32 runs, while Ali Usman, playing in his second Test, took four wickets for 39 runs, with two of his wickets falling on day four.
Match progression and upcoming series
In their chase, Pakistan lost openers Imam-ul-Haq, who was caught by Jason Greaves off Jayden Seales for nine runs, and Azan Awais, bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18 runs. They reached 57 for two at lunch on the fourth day.
However, Shafique and Babar Azam, who had scored 160 not out and 88 runs respectively in the first innings, successfully finished the game in the sixth over after the interval. The West Indies had won the first Test in Tarouba, setting the stage for Pakistan’s comeback in the second match.
Following this series, Pakistan is scheduled to travel to England for a three-match Test series. The series is set to commence at Headingley on Wednesday, 19 August.
Source: bbc.com
