Abdullah Shafique produced a masterclass in patient red-ball batting to put Pakistan in a commanding position on Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies. Playing at the historic Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the opener anchored Pakistan’s first innings with a brilliant unbeaten 107.
At stumps, Pakistan reached 266/2 in 66 overs, trailing the hosts by just 78 runs with eight wickets in hand. Shafique formed a formidable, unbroken 168-run partnership with captain Babar Azam, who closed the day undefeated on 86. The pair effectively seized momentum, leaving Pakistan well-positioned to take a substantial first-innings lead on Day 3.
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| Detail / Statistic | Match Value |
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| West Indies 1st | 344 all out (105.4 overs) |
| Pakistan 1st | 266/2 (66 overs) - Trail by 78 runs |
| Abdullah Shafique | 107* (185 balls, 10x4, 2x6) |
| Babar Azam | 86* (126 balls, 10x4, 1x6) |
| 3rd Wicket Stand | 168 runs (Unbroken) |
| Venue | Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad |
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Match Summary
West Indies resumed Day 2 on 239/5 after a strong opening day. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack executed a disciplined morning plan to restrict the home side’s total. Off-spinner Sajid Khan led the effort, finishing as the pick of the bowlers with 4/85, while seamers Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah, and Ali Usman captured two wickets apiece.
West Indies were eventually bowled out for 344. Roston Chase added key runs to reach 70 off 126 balls, while Justin Greaves fell for 73 early in the first session. In response, Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq early for 14. Young batter Azan Awais then provided vital early momentum, scoring a swift 55 off 71 balls with 10 boundaries. Following Awais’s departure at 98/2, Shafique and Babar took full control of the match.
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| Batter | Score / Deliveries | Key Details |
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| Imam-ul-Haq | 14 runs | Early dismissal |
| Azan Awais | 55 runs (71 balls) | 10 fours |
| Abdullah Shafique| 107* runs (185 balls) | 10 fours, 2 sixes |
| Babar Azam (C) | 86* runs (126 balls) | 10 fours, 1 six |
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Abdullah Shafique Anchors Pakistan’s Fightback
Abdullah Shafique displayed remarkable composure throughout his 185-ball innings. Called into the squad as an emergency top-order replacement, the 26-year-old opened with discipline, leaving balls outside off stump and punishing loose deliveries with authority.
His knock contained 10 boundaries and two towering sixes. Reaching his milestone off 173 deliveries, Shafique recorded his sixth Test century and his first since 2024. He handled the West Indies fast bowlers comfortably, showing technical soundness under overcast conditions to give Pakistan complete stability.
Babar Azam Provides Perfect Support
At the other end, captain Babar Azam complemented Shafique with a fluent, dominant half-century. Coming off an unbeaten 58 in the previous Test, Babar maintained his fine touch in Trinidad, striking 10 fours and a six in his 126-ball stay.
Babar brought up his half-century in just 67 balls, accelerating smoothly to keep the scoreboard moving. Their unbroken 168-run stand completely demoralized the West Indies attack during the final two sessions. Babar ended the day on 86 not out, just 14 runs shy of his 10th Test century.
West Indies Miss Opportunities
Despite posting a competitive 344 in their first innings, West Indies struggled to build sustained pressure on Pakistan’s batters after the tea break. The home pacers created few clear chances once the pitch settled under pleasant afternoon sun.
As the ball grew softer, West Indies captain Roston Chase rotated his bowling options without success. The bowlers failed to break the length consistently, allowing Shafique and Babar to score freely through the leg side. West Indies will need to refresh their tactics overnight and target early breakthroughs with the new ball on Day 3.
What Day 3 Could Decide
Day 3 will be crucial in determining the course of the second Test. Pakistan enter the day trailing by 78 runs with eight first-innings wickets in hand. Their primary goal will be to wipe out the deficit quickly and build a substantial lead.
For West Indies, taking early wickets with the second new ball is critical to stay competitive in the match. If Shafique and Babar extend their partnership into the afternoon, Pakistan could bat West Indies out of the contest.
Why This Century Matters for Abdullah Shafique
This century holds immense significance for Abdullah Shafique. After missing out on initial squad selection, his emergency arrival and instant success highlight his resilience and technical skill in overseas conditions.
Notching his sixth Test century reinforces his standing as a dependable top-order batter for Pakistan. This performance gives him tremendous confidence as Pakistan aims to solidify its batting order for future World Test Championship cycles.
Reaction from the Cricket World
Official updates from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) praised the third-wicket partnership between Shafique and Babar. Reports highlighted the duo’s ability to combine solid defense with regular boundary scoring to dominate the final two sessions at Queen’s Park Oval.
Conclusion
Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 107 and his unbroken 168-run stand with Babar Azam transformed the second Test in Trinidad. By guiding Pakistan to 266/2 at stumps, the duo erased West Indies’ early match advantage. While Pakistan still require 78 runs to take the lead, their firm grip on Day 2 puts them in an ideal position to dictate terms for the remainder of the match.
References & Credits
- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB): Official Match Detail: Abdullah’s Century, Azan and Babar Half-Centuries Put Pakistan in Command at Close of Day Two (August 4, 2026).
- International Cricket Council (ICC): World Test Championship Match Center: West Indies vs Pakistan 2nd Test Scorecard.
- ESPNcricinfo: Pakistan Tour of West Indies 2026: 2nd Test Day 2 Ball-by-Ball Analysis.
- Reuters: Shafique’s Century and Babar’s 86 Lead Pakistan Fightback at Queen’s Park Oval (August 4, 2026).
- WION News: WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Shafique and Skipper Babar Lead Fightback with Unbroken 168-Run Stand (August 4, 2026).
- Flashscore News: Shafique and Babar Stand Puts Pakistan in Strong Position After Two Days (August 4, 2026).
