WI vs PAK: Pakistan at threshold of first overseas Test win after 1105 days as Shafique, spinners edge Windies in Port of Spain
Babar Azam (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 05 Aug 2026, 09:41 AM• Read time - 2 mins
A day that began on a horrid note for Pakistan had a soothing end to it as they took control of the second Test at the close of play on day three at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain.
Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique could only add 15 runs to their overnight partnership before the former was run out by Brandon King on 88, attempting to scamper through for a single. Shafique sent back Babar after he was halfway through the pitch, but a direct hit from King caught him short. King had to be stretchered off the field as he hurt his lower back in the process. He didn't take any further part in the day's play.
281/2 soon became 311/6 as Windies clawed their way back into the contest. However, a 59-run stand for the seventh wicket between Sajid Khan and Shafique allowed the visitors to take the first innings lead. Sajid was the only lower-order Pakistan batter who showed some character, striking four boundaries, before being nicked off by Jaden Seales.
Pakistan's last three wickets went down without any significant contribution as they posted 387. Shafique remained unbeaten on 160, aided by 15 fours and three sixes.
Jomel Warrican was the most prolific Windies bowler as he claimed figures of 6/112 in 46 overs.
Windies had to wipe out a deficit of 43 runs and their opening pair of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge added 40 of those before Chanderpaul was pinned in front of his stumps by Sajid for 17.
Hodge top-scored for the hosts with 34 on the day before he too was trapped lbw by Ali Usman. The rest of Windies batters found it daunting to grapple with spin as they stumbled from 40/1 to 103/6 at stumps. Sajid (4/32) and Usman (2/29) made full use of the turn on offer and decimated the top and the middle order.
Justin Greaves is batting on 1 and has to stitch valuable partnerships alongside the lower-order batters, as there is a big question mark over the fitness of King. Windies are leading by 60 runs.