Pakistan captain Babar Azam believes his team’s ability to learn from the opening Test defeat and quickly adapt to different playing conditions was the defining factor behind their series-levelling victory over the West Indies.
Pakistan defeated the West Indies by eight wickets at Queen’s Park Oval on Wednesday to level the two-match Test series 1-1, ending an eight-match losing streak away from home and securing their first overseas Test victory in three years.
Speaking after the match, Babar said the win would provide a significant confidence boost ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming three-Test tour of England.
“Whenever you win, it gives you confidence,” Babar told reporters. “We worked extremely hard over the last couple of months to prepare for these Test matches. After losing the first Test, we sat together, analysed our mistakes and discussed what needed to improve.”
Pakistan suffered a 90-run defeat in the opening Test on a pitch that heavily favoured fast bowlers. However, the team responded by making tactical changes for the second Test, selecting a spin-heavy bowling attack after assessing the conditions in Port of Spain.
The strategy proved highly successful as left-arm spinner Ali Usman and off-spinner Sajid Khan combined to take 14 wickets, playing a decisive role in dismantling the West Indies batting lineup.
Babar said the team remained flexible rather than sticking to its original plans.
“We were preparing for different conditions, but as professionals you have to be ready for every situation,” he said. “Once we assessed the pitch, we changed our team combination and also focused more on playing spin during our practice sessions.”
The Pakistan skipper praised the players for responding positively after the disappointing opening defeat, saying the team’s willingness to learn and adjust made the difference.
The victory not only allowed Pakistan to draw the series but also ended a prolonged run of poor away performances, providing valuable momentum ahead of the challenging Test series against England later this month.
Pakistan will now travel to England with renewed confidence as they look to build on their improved performance and carry their winning momentum into one of the most demanding tours in international cricket.
