Pakistan end three-year wait for away Test win, level West Indies series

PORT OF SPAIN: Pakistan wrapped up an emphatic eight-wicket victory over West Indies on the fourth morning of the second Test to level the two-match series 1-1, ending a three-year wait for an away Test victory.

Resuming with West Indies holding a slender lead and only three wickets in hand, Pakistan’s bowlers wasted little time finishing the innings. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman struck immediately, dismissing Kemar Roach before the overnight score had advanced, while Justin Greaves fell after chopping on to Mohammad Ali. With Brandon King unable to bat because of the injury he sustained while fielding on the previous day, Shamar Joseph provided brief resistance with a pair of boundaries before top-edging Usman, leaving Pakistan a target of 75.

Pakistan made a cautious start to the chase as Imam-ul-Haq edged Jayden Seales to the wicketkeeper early on. Azan Awais also departed after dragging the ball onto his stumps, briefly raising West Indies’ hopes.

However, first-innings centurions Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam ensured there would be no collapse. The pair calmly guided Pakistan towards the target before Babar sealed victory in style, charging down the pitch to strike Jomel Warrican for consecutive sixes after lunch.

The win snapped Pakistan’s eight-match losing streak in away Tests and gave Babar a winning start to his second spell as Test captain. It also marked Pakistan’s first overseas Test victory in three years and ensured the series finished 1-1, the third consecutive Test series between the two teams to end in a draw.