Spain: Pakistan have ended their eight-match losing streak away from home in Test cricket with a convincing eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval, levelling the two-match series 1-1.
Chasing a modest target of 75, Pakistan reached 77-2 shortly after lunch on Day Four. Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 24 runs each, steering the visitors to victory with a composed partnership. Babar sealed the win in style by smashing consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.
The result marked Pakistan’s first away Test victory since defeating Sri Lanka in 2023 and ensured they remained unbeaten in a Test series against the West Indies since 2000. Pakistan suffered two early setbacks during the chase as Imam-ul-Haq was caught brilliantly in the slips by Justin Greaves for 9 off Jayden Seales, while Azan Awais was bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18. However, Shafique and Babar steadied the innings and comfortably guided their side to the target.
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Earlier, Pakistan’s spin attack dismantled the West Indies batting lineup, bowling the hosts out for 117 in their second innings. Off-spinner Sajid Khan claimed 4-32, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman took 4-39, sharing eight wickets between them on a deteriorating surface that heavily favoured spin.
West Indies resumed the day at 106-3 with a lead of 60 runs but failed to build a challenging total. Ali Usman struck early by dismissing Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph, while Mohammad Ali removed Justin Greaves, who played onto his stumps after adding only two runs to his overnight score.
The hosts were also dealt a setback as opening batter Brandon King was unable to bat in the second innings due to a back injury sustained on Day Three after producing a direct-hit run-out to dismiss Babar Azam. The victory was a significant boost for Pakistan under the leadership of Babar Azam, who returned as Test captain after Shan Masood stepped down following a disappointing run in red-ball cricket.
During Masood’s tenure, Pakistan endured away series defeats in Australia, South Africa and Bangladesh, extending their winless streak on foreign soil. Although Pakistan lost the opening Test by 90 runs at Tarouba, their dominant performance in the second match helped them finish the series level and regain confidence ahead of future overseas assignments.
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