PAK vs WI 2nd Test turned in Pakistan’s favor on Day 2 as the visitors staged an impressive comeback after a challenging start. Brilliant unbeaten knocks from Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam helped Pakistan finish the day in a commanding position, keeping the contest evenly balanced against the West Indies.
At stumps on the second day, Pakistan had reached 266/2, reducing the first-innings deficit to just 78 runs. The unbeaten partnership between Shafique and Babar has already added 168 runs for the third wicket, putting Pakistan in a strong position heading into Day 3.
Abdullah Shafique Scores First Test Century in Two Years
The biggest highlight of the day was Abdullah Shafique’s outstanding century, which marked his sixth Test hundred. It was also his first Test century since 2024, ending a long wait for the talented opener.
Shafique showed patience and composure throughout his innings. He spent several deliveries stranded on 99 before finally reaching the milestone with a well-timed boundary through midwicket off Jomel Warrican’s short delivery. Earlier in the innings, he had completed his half-century with a boundary against veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach.
His calm approach and ability to absorb pressure provided Pakistan with the stability they desperately needed after the early wickets.
Babar Azam Inches Closer to Long-Awaited Test Century
Babar Azam also enjoyed a memorable day with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 86 runs at the close of play. The former Pakistan captain now needs only 14 more runs to complete what would be his first Test century in four years.
Babar began his innings positively, taking the attack to West Indies pacer Jayden Seales by striking three boundaries in a single over. After the aggressive start, he settled into a composed rhythm and built a valuable partnership with Shafique.
His confident stroke play and solid defense frustrated the West Indies bowlers, giving Pakistan complete control during the latter half of the day.
Azan Awais Gives Pakistan an Aggressive Start
Young batter Azan Awais provided Pakistan with early momentum through an attacking approach at the top of the order. He immediately put pressure on the West Indies bowling attack by smashing three consecutive boundaries off Kemar Roach in just the second over of the innings.
His aggressive batting forced the home side to introduce spin much earlier than planned.
However, Pakistan suffered an early setback when Imam-ul-Haq edged a sharp 150 km/h delivery from Shamar Joseph to the slips.
Awais continued his impressive innings and reached a well-made half-century before being trapped LBW by spinner Jomel Warrican, ending another promising knock.
Pakistan Trail by Only 78 Runs
Thanks to the unbeaten stand between Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam, Pakistan finished Day 2 with 266 runs for the loss of two wickets.
The visitors now trail the West Indies by only 78 runs on the first innings and will look to take a substantial lead on the third day if both set batters continue their excellent form.
The strong partnership has shifted the momentum towards Pakistan after the West Indies initially appeared to have the upper hand.
West Indies Were Bowled Out for 344
Earlier in the match, the West Indies posted 344 runs in their first innings. Valuable half-centuries from Justin Greaves and Roston Chase helped the hosts build a competitive total.
Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up the innings with disciplined bowling on the second morning.
Ali Usman made an immediate impact by dismissing Justin Greaves with the very first ball of the day. Ubaid Shah then clean bowled Roston Chase to remove another key batter, while Sajid Khan claimed the final wicket by dismissing Shamar Joseph to end the West Indies innings.
Pakistan Eye First-Innings Lead on Day 3
The PAK vs WI 2nd Test is now finely balanced after Pakistan’s remarkable recovery on Day 2. Abdullah Shafique’s long-awaited century and Babar Azam’s unbeaten 86 have put the visitors within touching distance of the West Indies’ first-innings total.
With Babar closing in on a landmark hundred and Pakistan needing only 78 more runs to erase the deficit, Day 3 promises to be crucial. If the current partnership continues, Pakistan could seize complete control of the Test match and put significant pressure on the West Indies heading into the final stages of the contest.
