On Wednesday, the Pakistan team, led by Babar Azam, secured an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test match. Hosts West Indies set a target of 75 runs on the fourth day of the match at Queen's Park Oval. Pakistan comfortably chased down the target in 23.3 overs for the loss of two wickets. In their second innings, the West Indies team could only manage 117 runs in 46.1 overs.
Pakistan made history by winning the second Test against the West Indies
The West Indies had scored 344 runs in their first innings. In response, Pakistan scored a total of 387 runs, taking a lead of 43 runs. The two-match Test series ended in a 1-1 draw; the West Indies had defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the first Test.
West Indies Set a Shameful Target
By setting a target of just 75 runs, the West Indies have added another entry to their list of shameful records. Notably, this marks the first time in the 21st century that the West Indies have set a target of less than 100 runs in the fourth innings. Resuming play on the fourth day at 103/6, the team added only 14 more runs. Brandon King did not come out to bat due to a back injury. In the second innings, Sajid Khan and Ali Usman claimed four wickets each, while Mohammad Ali took one wicket.
Babar Azam steered the team to victory
Pakistan did not get off to a good start while chasing the target. Imam-ul-Haq (9 off 13 balls) fell to Jayden Seales in the fifth over. Shamar Joseph bowled out Azan Awais (19 off 49 balls) in the 15th over.
Subsequently, Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam took charge. The duo shared an unbroken 35-run partnership for the second wicket. Shafique remained unbeaten on 28 off 51 balls, including one four. Babar scored an unbeaten 15 off 30 balls, featuring two sixes; he played two aerial shots against Warrican to guide Pakistan to victory.
Lowest targets set by West Indies in the fourth innings of a Test
- 13 – vs England (1991)
- 44 – vs England (1994)
- 48 – vs England (2004)
- 55 – vs England (2000)
- 62 – vs England (2000)
- 75 – vs Pakistan (2026)
Shafique Scores a Historic Century
Abdullah Shafique scored a historic century in the first innings. He remained unbeaten on 160 off 333 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes along the way. He ended a 49-year drought, becoming the first Pakistani player since 1977 to score over 150 runs in a Test match in the West Indies. Shafique shared a magnificent 183-run partnership for the third wicket with Babar (88 off 147 balls). The third day belonged to the bowlers, with a total of 14 wickets falling. Warrican claimed six wickets; he wrapped up Pakistan's first innings by taking three wickets in four balls, leaving Shafique stranded helplessly at the other end.
