Pakistan secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory over West Indies on the fourth morning of the second Test to level the two-match series 1-1 and register their first away Test win in three years.
Resuming the day with the hosts still trailing, Pakistan’s bowlers wasted little time wrapping up the West Indies innings before the batters completed the modest chase of 75 with ease. The victory also marked a winning start to Babar Azam’s second stint as Pakistan’s Test captain.
West Indies resumed their second innings needing contributions from the lower order, but Pakistan quickly ended any hopes of a competitive target.
Ali Usman struck with the very first breakthrough of the morning, clean bowling Kemar Roach as the veteran attempted an ambitious slog. The overnight score remained unchanged when the wicket fell.
Justin Greaves, who had battled hard without adding to his overnight score, chopped Mohammad Ali onto his stumps soon after. With Brandon King unable to bat because of the injury he suffered while running out Babar Azam on the third day, West Indies were left with their last pair at the crease.
Shamar Joseph briefly counterattacked with a couple of boundaries but his resistance ended when he top-edged Ali Usman, as West Indies were dismissed for 117.
Pakistan’s chase began cautiously, with Imam-ul-Haq edging behind to Jayden Seales early in the innings. Azan Awais was also dismissed after dragging the ball onto his stumps, giving West Indies brief hope.
However, first-innings heroes Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam ensured there would be no late collapse. The pair calmly guided Pakistan towards the target, keeping the scoreboard moving and denying the hosts any chance of building sustained pressure.
After the lunch break, Babar sealed the victory in style by advancing down the pitch and smashing Jomel Warrican for back-to-back sixes, taking Pakistan to an eight-wicket win.
The result ended Pakistan’s eight-match losing streak in away Tests and provided a timely confidence boost ahead of their upcoming three-match Test series in England.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan posted 387 in their first innings thanks to an unbeaten 160 from Abdullah Shafique and 88 from Babar Azam. Jomel Warrican starred with the ball for West Indies, claiming 6 for 112.
West Indies replied with 344, with Justin Greaves scoring 73 and captain Roston Chase adding 70, while Sajid Khan claimed four wickets.
Pakistan then bundled West Indies out for 117 in the second innings, with Sajid Khan and Ali Usman taking four wickets each to set up the series-levelling victory.
