Pakistan Defeats West Indies To End Eight-Match Overseas Losing Streak In Test Cricket

Pakistan ended an eight-match overseas losing streak in Test cricket with a commanding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies on Wednesday, levelling the two-match series 1-1. Chasing a modest target of 77 at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Pakistan completed the run chase shortly after lunch on Day 4, marking their first Test win away from home since defeating Sri Lanka in 2023 during Babar Azam's previous stint as captain. The victory was anchored by Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam, who remained unbeaten on 24 runs each to guide Pakistan home after an early wobble.

Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq for 9, caught brilliantly by Justin Greaves in the slips off Jayden Seales, while Azan Awais was bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18. However, Shafique and Babar ensured there were no further setbacks, with the skipper sealing the win in style by smashing consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Shafique had earlier laid the foundation for Pakistan's success with a crucial century in the first innings, helping the visitors establish a 43-run lead despite Warrican's impressive six-wicket haul.

On a wearing Queen's Park Oval surface that increasingly favoured spin, Pakistan's bowlers capitalised on the conditions to wrest control of the contest.  Spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman delivered disciplined performances, dismantling the West Indies batting line-up and ensuring the hosts could not build a defendable lead in their second innings. The result was a strong response from Pakistan after suffering a 90-run defeat in the opening Test at Tarouba.

Also Read: Pakistan Seek Batting Revival With Michael Smith Appointment Ahead Of England Test Tour

Having fallen behind in the series, the visitors bounced back with an all-round display, combining resilient batting with effective spin bowling to level the contest. The win also extended Pakistan's unbeaten record in Test series against the West Indies, with the Caribbean side yet to defeat Pakistan in a bilateral Test series since 2000. For Babar Azam, the victory marked a positive start to his return as Pakistan's Test captain. Leading the side for the first time since being reappointed, Babar contributed with the bat in the decisive chase and oversaw a disciplined team performance.

The result is expected to boost Pakistan's confidence after a difficult run away from home, where the team had endured eight consecutive Test defeats across different overseas tours. The triumph also highlighted Pakistan's strength in spin-friendly conditions, with Sajid Khan and Ali Usman exploiting the deteriorating pitch to great effect. Combined with Shafique's century and Babar's composed finish, Pakistan produced a balanced performance to secure an important overseas victory. The win not only ended a prolonged drought in away Test cricket but also provided renewed momentum for the team under Babar's leadership as it prepares for future assignments on foreign soil.

Also Read: Shan Masood Anchors Pakistan's Recovery As Team Reaches 199-3 Against West Indies