The short version
- Pakistan secured its first overseas Test victory in three years by defeating West Indies by eight wickets on day four.
- The result levels the two-match series at one apiece after West Indies had taken the opening game in Tarouba.
- Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam remained unbeaten as Pakistan chased a modest target of 75 runs to close out the contest.
Pakistan has broken a prolonged period of struggle on foreign soil, securing its first away Test win in three years with a decisive eight-wicket victory over West Indies. The match concluded on day four at Queen's Park Oval in Port-of-Spain, leaving the two-team series level at one match each. This result marks a significant shift for the touring side, which had endured a difficult stretch of international cricket prior to this campaign.
The victory ends a run of eight consecutive away defeats for Pakistan. Since beating Sri Lanka in Colombo in July 2023, the team had suffered losses in three-match series against Australia and two-match campaigns in both South Africa and Bangladesh. The win in Trinidad provides a crucial morale boost before the squad travels to England for a three-match Test series starting at Headingley on August 19.
West Indies entered the final day needing to defend a slender lead. After losing three wickets just before play ended on day three, they resumed their second innings at 103-6 overnight. Their first-innings total had been 344, while Pakistan responded with 387 in their initial batting turn. This left West Indies with only a 60-run advantage heading into the final session.
The collapse of the West Indies batting lineup was swift and decisive. The home side was bowled out for just 117 runs within half an hour on Wednesday. Spinners Ali Usman and Sajid Khan led the Pakistani attack, taking four wickets each. Usman, playing in only his second Test match, claimed two of his wickets on the final day, while Sajid had earlier taken four for 32 in this innings after claiming four for 85 in the first.
Brandon King was absent from the West Indies lineup due to injury, leaving the side with three remaining wickets to fall quickly. The rapid dismissal of the tailenders set up a manageable target of 75 runs for Pakistan. This low chase allowed the visitors to finish the match comfortably inside 24 overs, well before the scheduled end of play.
Pakistan’s batting performance was anchored by contributions from Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam. Both openers had performed strongly in the first innings, with Shafique scoring an unbeaten 160 and Babar adding 88. In the final chase, both players remained not out on 24, guiding their team to victory without further loss of wickets.
The match saw early setbacks for Pakistan’s top order in the fourth innings. Imam-ul-Haq was caught by Jason Greaves off Jayden Seales for nine runs, and Azan Awais was bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18. These dismissals left Pakistan at 57-2 at lunch, requiring steady hands from the middle order to stabilize the chase.
Shafique and Babar took control after the interval, finishing the game in the sixth over following the resumption of play. Their partnership ensured that Pakistan did not need to expend additional resources or risk further wickets. The efficient completion of the target underscored the dominance established by the bowling unit earlier in the day.
West Indies had taken the first Test in Tarouba, dedicating that victory to the legacy of Sir Garfield Sobers. However, the inability to defend a small lead in Port-of-Spain prevented them from securing a series win. The drawn series reflects the competitive balance between the two sides, with each team claiming one victory across the two matches.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will face a challenging test of their form against England. The upcoming series begins less than two weeks after this triumph in Trinidad. Maintaining momentum and translating this overseas success into consistent performance on English pitches will be key for the touring side as they continue their international schedule.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Pakistan win first away Test in three years to draw Windies series
