Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten century and Babar Azam made 86 not out as Pakistan reached 266 for two on Day Two of the second Test against West Indies.
Abdullah Shafique marked his return to Pakistan’s Test side with an unbeaten century as the visitors produced a commanding batting display against West Indies on Day Two of the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval.
Pakistan ended the day on 266 for two, just 78 runs behind West Indies’ first-innings total of 344. Shafique remained unbeaten on 107, while captain Babar Azam closed on 86 not out.
The pair shared an unbroken 168-run partnership for the third wicket, putting Pakistan in a strong position as they look to level the two-match Test series.
Shafique delivers on Test return
Shafique, brought into the side following Shan Masood’s injury, made full use of his opportunity with a composed and controlled innings.
He reached his sixth Test century and his first outside the subcontinent, combining patience with well-timed attacking shots. His unbeaten knock included 10 fours and two sixes.
The Pakistan opener remained disciplined outside the off stump and punished the West Indies bowlers whenever they strayed in line or length.
At the other end, Babar gradually settled into his rhythm after arriving at the crease with Pakistan on 98 for two.
The Pakistan captain struck 10 fours and a six during his unbeaten 86, completing his 33rd Test half-century and moving within 14 runs of a hundred.
Azan Awais makes valuable fifty
Pakistan began their first innings positively despite losing Imam-ul-Haq for 14 to Shamar Joseph.
Azan Awais then played an attacking innings of 55 from 71 deliveries, hitting 11 boundaries. He added 64 runs with Shafique before being trapped lbw by Jomel Warrican following a successful review.
Source: ESPNcricinfo
West Indies briefly sensed an opportunity after reducing Pakistan to 98 for two, but Shafique and Babar took control of the innings.
The pair rotated the strike effectively, put away loose deliveries and denied the hosts another breakthrough during the final session.
West Indies’ bowling options were also affected by a leg injury to Justin Greaves, who was unable to bowl. The hosts were forced to rely heavily on Warrican, Shamar Joseph and their part-time spinners.
Sajid Khan takes four as West Indies reach 344
Earlier, West Indies resumed on 239 for five and added another 105 runs before being bowled out for 344.
Justin Greaves top-scored with 73, while captain Roston Chase contributed 70. Their 96-run sixth-wicket partnership helped the hosts recover after losing five wickets for 173.
Source: ESPNCricinfo
Sajid Khan led Pakistan’s bowling effort with four wickets for 85 runs. Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each.
Pakistan will resume Day Three with eight wickets in hand and an opportunity to build a significant first-innings lead.
West Indies currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opening Test by 90 runs.
Pakistan vs West Indies 2nd Test: Day Two score
West Indies: 344 all out
Pakistan: 266 for two
Abdullah Shafique: 107 not out
Babar Azam: 86 not out
Azan Awais: 55
Pakistan trail by: 78 runs
