Abdullah Shafique struck a composed century and Babar Azam closed in on his own hundred as Pakistan fought back strongly on day two of the second Test against West Indies in Trinidad. The pair’s unbeaten stand has kept Pakistan’s hopes alive in a series they currently trail 1-0.
Background
Pakistan vs West Indies Test 2026 action began on July 25 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, where the hosts secured a commanding 90-run win in the first Test. Fast bowler Jayden Seales starred with a five-wicket haul as West Indies bundled Pakistan out for 120 while chasing 211, handing the tourists their eighth consecutive away Test defeat.
That result put West Indies 1-0 up in the two-match series and set the stage for a must-win second Test for Pakistan. The team also arrived at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, dealing with fresh selection headaches after captain Shan Masood was ruled out with a finger injury just before the match.
Pakistan responded by drafting in Abdullah Shafique as an emergency replacement, flying him into the Caribbean just days before the Pakistan vs West Indies 2nd Test got underway. It marked his first Test appearance since losing his place in the side after last October’s home series against South Africa.
Details
Anyone searching for Pakistan vs West Indies test today updates will find the tourists have finally found their footing after a difficult start to the tour. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, riding a composed innings from all-rounder Justin Greaves, who top-scored with 73, and captain Roston Chase, who added 70, to post 344 on a rain-affected opening day and into day two.
Pakistan’s reply began solidly through opener Azan Awais, who struck a lively 55 off 71 balls before falling. Shafique, batting at number three in an unfamiliar role after replacing the injured Imam-ul-Haq, then combined with Babar Azam to steer Pakistan through the rest of day two without further loss.
By stumps, the Pakistan vs West Indies test scorecard read 266 for 2, with Shafique unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls, striking his sixth Test century and first since 2024. Babar Azam remained not out on 86, his highest score since a century against New Zealand back in December 2022, with the pair’s unbroken partnership worth 168 runs.
The turnaround has been significant given Pakistan’s recent overseas struggles. Off-spinner Sajid Khan had earlier taken 4 for 85 to help restrict West Indies to 344, and Ubaid Shah, handed his debut in this Test, also chipped in with a breakthrough during the West Indies innings.
With three days of play still remaining, Pakistan trail West Indies by just 78 runs with eight wickets in hand, giving them a genuine chance to build a substantial first-innings lead and push for a series-levelling result.
Quotes
West Indies captain Roston Chase spoke confidently ahead of the match about his team’s recent home form, saying the group wants to make home advantage count and that they have been doing so consistently in this series.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who opted out of the two-Test series entirely, addressed his decision publicly, explaining that his body was not ready to go into another Test series after a heavy recent workload.
Commentary from ESPNcricinfo’s match coverage described Shafique’s innings as authoritative, noting his composed driving off West Indies’ senior fast bowler Kemar Roach as a key passage of play during his march to three figures.
Impact
The outcome of this Pakistan vs West Indies Test 2026 series carries real weight for both sides. For Pakistan, another overseas series loss would extend a troubling pattern of defeats away from home, while a fightback in Trinidad would offer some reassurance ahead of the team’s upcoming Test series against England.
For West Indies, already boasting an improved home Test record with two wins in their last three matches at home, a series win would further cement the progress the team has made under Chase’s captaincy after a difficult period in the format.
The match has also renewed scrutiny on Pakistan’s touring squad depth, with selectors forced into late changes after Masood’s injury. How the team manages similar setbacks may shape broader conversations about squad depth ahead of the busier international season to come.
Conclusion
With Shafique and Babar well set overnight, Pakistan will look to extend their lead deep into day three and put West Indies under genuine pressure for the first time in the series. A big total here could set up a grandstand finish and deny the hosts a clean sweep on home soil.
There is currently no confirmed Pakistan vs West Indies T20 2026 schedule following this Test series, with the tour set to conclude once the Port of Spain Test finishes on August 6. Fans should watch for official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket West Indies regarding any future white-ball fixtures between the two sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Test series has Pakistan won in West Indies?
Pakistan has historically had a strong record on tours of the West Indies, having won multiple Test series there across different eras of the rivalry, including notable series victories during the 1970s, 1990s, and in more recent tours. However, Pakistan’s overall away form in Test cricket has struggled significantly in recent years, and the team currently trails 1-0 in the ongoing two-match series after losing the first Test in Tarouba by 90 runs. A win or draw in the second Test at Port of Spain would prevent West Indies from completing a series sweep, though it would not be enough to secure Pakistan a series win this time around.
Who scored 400 runs in a Test?
West Indies legend Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket history, scoring an unbeaten 400 runs against England at the Antigua Recreation Ground in April 2004. That innings allowed Lara to reclaim the world record he had briefly lost to Australia’s Matthew Hayden earlier that same year, making him the only batter to have twice held the record for the highest individual score in Test match history. His marathon innings remains one of the most celebrated individual batting performances in the sport, particularly given it came against a strong England bowling attack of that era.
Has Pakistan ever won a Test match?
Yes, Pakistan has an extensive and successful Test cricket history since gaining Test status in 1952, having won well over 100 Test matches across more than seven decades of international cricket. The team has enjoyed particularly strong periods at home, including memorable series wins against various touring sides, and has also recorded notable away victories over the years, including previous series wins in the West Indies. While Pakistan’s recent overseas form, including an extended run of away defeats before this current tour, has drawn criticism, the team’s overall Test history includes numerous famous wins against every major cricketing nation.
