Babar Azam Shines as Pakistan Snap Away Test Win Wait, Level Series vs West Indies

Babar Azam Guides Pakistan to First Away Test Win in Three Years, Draws Series vs West Indies

Pakistan ended their three-year wait for an away Test victory with an emphatic eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on Wednesday. The victory helped Babar Azam’s side level the two-match series 1-1 after suffering a 90-run defeat in the opening Test.

The result marked Pakistan’s first away Test win since beating Sri Lanka in Galle in July 2023, also under Babar’s leadership. In the intervening period, Pakistan had endured eight consecutive away Test defeats, including seven under former captain Shan Masood, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board to hand the Test captaincy back to Babar ahead of the tours of the West Indies and England.

Pakistan also registered their first Test victory in the Caribbean in five years, although they remain at the bottom of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship standings despite salvaging the series.

Shafique’s 160 Puts Pakistan in Command

The visitors laid the foundation for victory through Abdullah Shafique’s outstanding 160, which guided Pakistan to 387 in reply to the West Indies’ first-innings total of 344. Babar Azam contributed a fluent 88 but missed out on ending his long wait for a Test century.

Shafique’s innings was a landmark effort, making him the first Pakistan batter since 1977 to score 150 or more in a Test innings in the West Indies.

Armed with a 43-run first-innings lead, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the hosts in the second innings. Sajid Khan starred with four wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two as the West Indies were bowled out for just 117.

Comfortable Chase Seals Series Leveller

Set a target of only 75, Pakistan completed the chase with ease, reaching 77/2 in 23.3 overs. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 24, while Shafique capped off a memorable match by finishing unbeaten on 24 as Pakistan secured victory with eight wickets to spare.

The triumph provides a timely morale boost ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series in England. More importantly, it ends a lengthy run of disappointing overseas results and gives Babar Azam a winning start to his second stint as Test captain. While Pakistan still have work to do in the World Test Championship, the performance offered encouraging signs as they prepare for a sterner challenge in English conditions.