Pakistan produced one of their finest batting performances in the last three to four years to finish Day 2 of the second Test in a commanding position against the West Indies.
The star of the day was Abdullah Shafique, whose composed century anchored Pakistan’s innings, while captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 86 after another classy knock. Their unbeaten partnership steadied the innings after an early setback and put Pakistan firmly in control of the match.
Early Blow Before Shafique and Awais Took Charge
Pakistan’s innings did not begin as planned as Imam-ul-Haq once again fell to Shamar Joseph. Like in the first Test, Imam struggled against the extra pace and bounce and was dismissed early, putting Pakistan under pressure.
Walking in at No. 3, Abdullah Shafique showed tremendous composure. At the other end, young opener Azan Awais played positively from the start, looking to put the West Indies bowlers under pressure.
Awais attacked whenever the opportunity came his way and even struck four boundaries in a single over against Shamar Joseph. His aggressive approach forced West Indies captain Roston Chase to introduce spin much earlier than expected.
However, Shafique was equally impressive against the spinners. He welcomed Jomel Warrican with a boundary off his very first delivery and later stepped down the track to launch him for a huge six, ensuring the left-arm spinner never settled into a rhythm.
Meanwhile, Awais completed an impressive half-century from just 61 balls and, along with Shafique, built a partnership that prevented the batting collapses Pakistan have often suffered in recent years.
Awais’ innings eventually ended on an LBW decision after the West Indies successfully reviewed the on-field call, giving the hosts a much-needed breakthrough.
Babar Azam Joins the Party
The dismissal of Awais brought back memories of Pakistan’s recent batting struggles, but this time the middle order responded in style.
Captain Babar Azam walked in with positive intent and immediately took on Jayden Seales, collecting three boundaries in one over. It was a confident response after Seales had troubled him in the opening Test.
From that point onwards, Shafique and Babar dominated the bowling attack with controlled, risk-free batting. They rotated the strike well, punished every loose delivery and rarely offered any chances.
Shafique reached his half-century from 80 balls before converting it into a memorable hundred. On the final ball of the 63rd over, Warrican drifted one onto his pads, and Shafique calmly glanced it to the boundary to bring up his sixth Test century—his first since 2024.
The innings was especially significant as Shafique had come into the playing XI after Shan Masood was ruled out through injury. He delivered exactly when his team needed him the most.
Pakistan Eye Series-Levelling Win
While Shafique completed a superb century, Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 86 from 126 deliveries and looked well set to end his long wait for a Test hundred.
At stumps on Day 2, Pakistan were 266/2, trailing the West Indies by just 78 runs with eight wickets still in hand.
More importantly, Pakistan showed something they have often lacked in recent years—a strong start followed by a solid middle-order performance without a collapse.
If Shafique and Babar continue their partnership on Day 3, Pakistan will not only take a first-innings lead but also put themselves in an excellent position to level the series 1-1.
