Pakistan beat West Indies to end 8 away Test losing streak and draw series

Pakistan has broken a three-year drought in away Test cricket with a decisive victory over West Indies in the second Test at Queen's Park Oval. The win came after the hosts set a modest target of 75 runs, which Pakistan's batting lineup pursued with confidence. Abdullah Shafique, who had scored a century in the first innings, and captain Babar Azam, in his first series since returning to the leadership role, guided their team to the required runs with unbeaten contributions of 24 runs each. Azam sealed the victory by striking consecutive sixes against West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican.

The match was decided by Pakistan's bowling performance in the West Indies' second innings. Off-break bowler Sajid Khan and left-arm spinner Ali Usman combined to take eight wickets, restricting the home team to 117 runs. This bowling display proved decisive on a deteriorating pitch that favored spin bowling. West Indies' opening batter Brandon King was unable to bat in the second innings due to a back injury sustained earlier in the match.

Pakistan's path to victory was not without early setbacks. The team lost two wickets before Shafique and Azam took charge—Imam-ul-Haq was caught for 9 runs and Azan Awais was bowled for 18. However, the partnership between the two unbeaten batsmen proved sufficient to complete the chase inside four days.

This triumph marks a significant turnaround for Pakistan's Test cricket fortunes. The previous away Test victory came against Sri Lanka in 2023 during Azam's first stint as captain. Since then, under Shan Masood's leadership, Pakistan endured a difficult period that included heavy defeats in Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Masood was eventually removed from the captaincy role following this extended losing run, and Azam's return has already yielded positive results despite the loss in the first Test of this series.