Shafique, Babar put Pakistan within striking distance

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AP):

Abdullah Shafique posted his sixth Test century in an unbroken 168-run third-wicket stand with Babar Azam as Pakistan gained the upper hand after day two of the second and final Test against West Indies yesterday.

West Indies were bowled out for 344 in their first innings shortly before lunch after resuming the day at 239-5. Pakistan then responded strongly, with Azan Awais laying a solid foundation with a half-century before Shafique and Babar guided the visitors to 266-2 at stumps.

Shafique was unbeaten on 107, while captain Babar was not out on 86 after Pakistan’s best day of the series. West Indies won the first Test by 90 runs.

Batting proved difficult on day two as the pitch offered assistance to the slow bowlers. Conditions improved considerably yesterday, however, and Pakistan capitalised to move within 78 runs of the West Indies total.

Awais reached his maiden Test half-century, striking nine boundaries, after sharing an opening stand of 34 with Imam-ul-Haq (14). He then added 64 runs for the second wicket with Shafique before being trapped lbw by Jomel Warrican after missing an attempted sweep on 55.

The umpire turned down West Indies’ appeal, but captain Roston Chase referred the decision to the television umpire, who ruled that the ball was turning enough to hit leg stump.

Babar joined Shafique and immediately signalled his intent to keep Pakistan on the attack, with the pair adding 100 runs from just 139 balls.

Shafique reached his half-century first, hitting four fours and two sixes. Babar soon followed with his 33rd Test half-century, which included eight boundaries.

Shafique then went on to register his first Test century in almost two years, reaching the milestone from 173 balls. His previous century came against England in Multan in October 2024.

He missed the first Test against West Indies and is making his return after last featuring against South Africa in October last year.

Pakistan will need to ensure they avoid another second-innings collapse, a trend that has plagued them in recent matches. They made 282 in the first innings of the opening Test before being bowled out for 120 in the second.

Earlier, Justin Greaves top-scored with 73 and Chase made a defiant 70 as West Indies posted a competitive total.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan took 4-85, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman, playing in only his second Test, along with Mohammad Ali and Ubaid Shah, claimed two wickets each.