Pakistan ended an agonising eight-match overseas Test losing streak on Wednesday by securing a commanding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second and final Test at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

Chasing a modest fourth-innings target of 75 runs, opener Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 24 apiece to steer the visitors across the finish line shortly after lunch on Day 4. The victory allows Pakistan to draw the two-match series 1-1, preserving their undefeated record in Test series against the West Indies dating back to 2000.

The triumph in Trinidad marks a pivotal turning point for Pakistan’s Test side. Entering the contest under immense pressure following a 90-run defeat in the series opener at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Pakistan faced the daunting prospect of another away series defeat. The win ended an eight-match away losing streak that had burdened the team since their last overseas Test victory in 2023.

Pakistan’s spin duo of Sajid Khan and debutant left-arm spinner Ali Usman orchestrated the decisive collapse on Days 3 and 4. The pair exploited a deteriorating pitch at Port of Spain, dismantling the West Indian batting lineup for just 117 in their second effort. By capturing four wickets each in the second innings, Sajid and Usman ensured that the hosts could only post a lead of 74 runs, setting up a routine chase for Pakistan’s top order.

Captain Babar Azam, who resumed leadership duties for this series, emphasized team resilience following the opening match setback. The victory maintains Pakistan’s formidable historical record against the West Indies in Test cricket, ensuring the national side has avoided a bilateral Test series defeat to the Caribbean nation for over a quarter of a century.

Shafique’s Mastery and Babar’s Resilience Setup Pakistan’s Win Against West Indies

The foundation of Pakistan’s comeback was laid during their first innings, where they responded to West Indies’ total of 344 with a resilient score of 387. Emergency replacement opener Abdullah Shafique proved to be the cornerstone of the batting performance. Called into the squad following an injury to opening batter Shan Masood, Shafique compiled an unbeaten 160 off 323 deliveries, hitting 15 boundaries and 3 sixes.

Shafique’s sixth Test century was anchored by a 183-run third-wicket partnership alongside Babar Azam. Babar displayed exceptional wristwork and stroke-play, accelerating Pakistan’s momentum with 88 runs off 147 balls, including 10 boundaries and a towering six. However, Babar’s pursuit of a 10th Test hundred ended in dramatic heartbreak on Day 3. A mix-up in the 75th over resulted in a direct hit from cover fielder Brandon King, leaving Babar stranded short of his crease.

Spin Dominance: Sajid Khan and Ali Usman Demolish West Indies for 117

With a 43-run cushion, Pakistan’s slow bowlers utilized the uneven bounce and turning pitch at Queen’s Park Oval to relentless effect. West Indies suffered an immediate setback prior to their second innings when opener Brandon King was ruled out from opening after sustaining a back injury during his successful throw to run out Babar Azam on Day 3.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan struck early blows by dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul (17) and wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo (13). Sajid then derailed the West Indian middle order by trapping Shai Hope (15) lbw and removing Jayden Seales for a duck in quick succession. Sajid finished with figures of 4 for 32 in 12 overs.

Complementing Sajid’s off-break attack, left-arm spinner Ali Usman produced a lethal spell of spin bowling, removing Kavem Hodge (34) and West Indies captain Roston Chase (17). Usman completed the innings cleanup on Day 4 morning, ending with figures of 4 for 39 in 19.1 overs. West Indies lost their final six wickets for just 18 runs, setting Pakistan a target of 75.

Chasing 75 runs for victory, Pakistan approached the target with intent despite losing two quick wickets. Fast bowler Jayden Seales removed opener Imam-ul-Haq for 9, caught in the slip cordon by Justin Greaves. Soon after, Shamar Joseph bowled Azan Awais for 18, leaving Pakistan at 35/2.

Abdullah Shafique joined Babar Azam at the crease to prevent any further stumbles. Shafique remained solid, scoring 24 off 51 balls to complete a memorable match performance. Babar Azam provided the grand finale, striking back-to-back sixes off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican to seal the victory in style.

Match Summary and Statistical Highlights

• End of Overseas Drought: Pakistan recorded their first away Test victory since 2023, halting an 8-match losing run outside Pakistan.
• 25-Year Unbeaten Record: Pakistan preserved their streak of not losing a Test series to the West Indies since the year 2000.
• Shafique’s Resilience: Abdullah Shafique earned the Player of the Match award for his marathon first-innings 160 not out and second-innings 24 not out.
• Spin Duo Mastery: Sajid Khan and Ali Usman combined for 14 wickets across the match, with both taking four wickets in the second innings.

Pakistan’s 8-wicket triumph at the Queen’s Park Oval stands as a powerful testament to the squad’s resilience and adaptability in foreign conditions. Behind Abdullah Shafique’s masterclass hundred, Babar Azam’s authoritative leadership, and a spin clinic from Sajid Khan and Ali Usman, the Green Shirts silenced critics and levelled the series 1-1. This decisive win not only breaks an eight-match away losing streak but also provides Pakistan with vital momentum and confidence as they look forward to their upcoming series against Team England in England