Pakistan enjoyed a dominant second day in the second Test at Port of Spain, reaching 266 for 2 by stumps. The visitors’ progress was anchored by a commanding, unbroken 168-run partnership for the third wicket between Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam. Shafique, who replaced Shan Masood for this match, finished the day unbeaten on 107, marking his sixth Test century and his first against West Indies. Babar Azam remained 86 not out, closing in on his own century as the pair successfully navigated the West Indies bowling attack.
The day began with Pakistan wrapping up the West Indies first innings for 344. Resuming from their overnight score of 239 for 5, the hosts added 105 runs during the morning session. Sajid Khan led the bowling effort with 4 for 85, while Ali Usman contributed 2 for 80. Key wickets included Justin Greaves, who fell for 73 after adding only nine runs to his overnight total, and captain Roston Chase, who was dismissed for 70 by Ubaid Shah. Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales provided late resistance to stretch the total.
Pakistan’s reply started with positive contributions from openers Azan Awais, who scored an enterprising half-century, and Imam-ul-Haq. However, West Indies managed to strike twice before tea, with Imam falling to Shamar Joseph and Awais miscuing a sweep against Jomel Warrican. With the score at 139 for 2, the hosts had a brief opening, but Shafique and Babar quickly neutralized the threat as the pitch flattened out.
The West Indies' bowling options were further hampered by a leg injury to Justin Greaves, forcing the hosts to rely on Warrican, Joseph, and part-time spin from Roston Chase and Kavem Hodge. The Pakistan duo took advantage of the situation, rotating the strike comfortably and punishing loose deliveries. The partnership marked Pakistan's first 150-plus third-wicket stand outside Asia since 2006. With the visitors trailing by only 78 runs and eight wickets remaining, they head into the next day with the clear advantage.
