Pakistan Breaks Away Test Losing Streak with Victory Over West Indies
Pakistan Secures Victory in Second Test Against West Indies
On Wednesday, Pakistan marked the end of its eight-match losing streak in away Test matches by clinching an impressive eight-wicket win against the West Indies, leveling the series.
Abdullah Shafique, who scored a century in the first innings, along with Babar Azam, who returned as captain for this series, guided Pakistan to a score of 77-2, both remaining not out on 24 runs as they achieved victory shortly after lunch on Day 4 of the second Test.
Babar sealed the win with consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who had previously taken six wickets in the first innings, restricting Pakistan's lead to just 43 runs.
The West Indies had triumphed in the first Test by 90 runs at Tarouba. In the second Test, spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman took advantage of the deteriorating pitch conditions at Queen's Park Oval, ensuring that Pakistan has not lost a Test series to the West Indies since 2000.
Pakistan faced early setbacks with Imam-ul-Haq dismissed for 9 by Justin Greaves in Jayden Seales' opening over, and Azan Awais bowled out for 18 by Shamar Joseph, before Shafique and Babar secured the win within four days.
Earlier, the West Indies set a modest target of 75 runs after being bowled out for 117, with Sajid (4-32) and Usman (4-39) sharing eight wickets.
Brandon King was unable to bat in the West Indies' second innings due to a back injury sustained on Day 3 when he executed a remarkable direct throw to run out Babar.
Resuming at 106-3, just 60 runs ahead, the West Indies' tailenders quickly succumbed, with Usman claiming the wickets of Kemar Roach and Joseph. Greaves, the last recognized batter, was bowled by Mohammad Ali after adding just two runs, attempting a cross-batted shot that resulted in a significant inside edge.
Pakistan's last Test victory away from home was against Sri Lanka in 2023 during Babar's initial captaincy. Following that, Shan Masood led the team for nearly three years, during which Pakistan suffered losses of 3-0 in Australia, 2-0 in South Africa, and 2-0 in Bangladesh.
Masood was eventually replaced as captain after a series of poor performances in red-ball cricket, but Babar's return saw Pakistan lose the first Test at Tarouba last week, marking their eighth away loss in three years.