Shafique century and Babar Azam boost Pakistan after day 2

A superb, unbroken partnership between Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam has put Pakistan in a commanding position after the second day of the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad. At stumps on Monday, August 3, Pakistan reached 266 for two in reply to the West Indies' first-innings total of 344, trailing by just 78 runs with eight wickets in hand at Queen's Park Oval.

Shafique, playing his first Test since October 2025 after being called up as an injury replacement for Shan Masood, crafted an unbeaten 107. His sixth Test century, and first since October 2024, was a patient innings of 185 balls featuring 10 fours and two sixes. At the other end, Babar Azam was equally dominant, finishing the day 86 not out from 126 deliveries. Their unbroken third-wicket stand of 168 has given Pakistan firm control of the match.

The pair's dominance came after a solid start from the tourists. Openers Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq put on 34 before Imam fell for 14 to a sharp delivery from Shamar Joseph. Awais, aggressive from the outset, then added 64 with Shafique for the second wicket, racing to a maiden Test half-century off 61 balls. He was eventually dismissed...