Babar Azam: Pakistan End Three-Year Away Test Drought

Babar Azam-led Pakistan register first away Test win after three years, beating West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test at Port of Spain. This victory leveled the two-match series 1-1 and ended a difficult streak of eight consecutive defeats on foreign soil. The win marks a significant turnaround for the team, which had not tasted success overseas since July 2023 under the same captain against Sri Lanka.

Babar Azam’s Pakistan chased a modest target of 75 runs on the fourth morning, finishing at 77/2. Abdullah Shafique, who scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 24, alongside skipper Babar Azam. Earlier, the hosts were bowled out for just 117 in their second innings, with spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman claiming four wickets each to dismantle the West Indies’ batting lineup on a wearing pitch.

The series had started poorly for Pakistan, with a 90-run loss in the first Test, marking their eighth straight away defeat. However, the combination of captain Babar Azam and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed proved pivotal in reviving the team’s fortunes. West Indies were also hampered by the absence of opener Brandon King, who suffered a back injury while running out Babar on Day 3.

This result shifted the World Test Championship standings, moving Pakistan up to eighth place with 22.22% points, while the West Indies slipped to ninth. The win provides a much-needed boost for Pakistan’s red-ball cricket, offering a foundation for future overseas success. Ultimately, Babar Azam’s leadership and the bowlers’ brilliance secured a memorable comeback victory, highlighting the team’s resilience on foreign soil.

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