Pakistan ended their eight-match away win drought and stretched their unbeaten series run against the West Indies to 26 years after they comprehensively won the second cricket Test by eight wickets with more than a day-and-a-half to spare in Port of Spain. In the current ICC World Test Championship cycle, this was Pakistan’s second win in six matches.

The victory was also Babar Azam’s 11th in 22 Tests and his first since returning as Pakistan’s Test captain. Befittingly, Babar Azam was named Player of the Series alongside Justin Greaves of the West Indies.

Abdullah Shafique, who scored a marvelous match-winning 160 not out and followed up with 24 not out in the second innings, was named Player of the Match.

This was Pakistan’s third victory at Queen’s Park Oval, following wins in 1958 and 1977. Overall, this was Pakistan’s ninth Test victory in the West Indies, who still hold the edge with 14 wins in 30 matches between the two sides on their home soil.

This morale-boosting victory comes at an ideal time, as Pakistan is scheduled to play three Tests against England from August 19 to September 13. This win, achieved through a combination of outstanding top-order batting and crafty spin bowling, will give the players confidence ahead of their tour.

On Wednesday morning, Pakistan took just 32 deliveries to wrap up the West Indies’ second innings for 117. The home side had resumed at 103 for six. As expected, Brandon King did not bat due to a back injury. Ali Usman and Mohammad Ali quickly took the remaining wickets.

Pakistan achieved the 75-run target in 22.3 overs for the loss of two wickets. In doing so, they lost Imam-ul-Haq (9) and Azan Awais (18), both falling to fast bowlers.

Scores in brief (2nd Test, day 34of 5): Pakistan beat the West Indies by eight wickets, Port of Spain.

WEST INDIES 344 all-out, 105.4 overs (Justin Greaves 73, Roston Chase 70, Brandon King 46, Shai Hope 29, Amir Jangoo 26, Kemar Roach 19; Sajid Khan 4-85, Ubaid Shah 2-66, Mohammad Ali 2-67, Ali Usman 2-80) and (overnight 103-6, 40.5 overs) 117 all-out, (Kavem Hodge 34; Sajid Khan 4-32, Ali Usman 2-39)

PAKISTAN 387 all-out, 115 overs (Abdullah Shafique 160 not out, Babar Azam 88, Azan Awais 55, Sajid Khan 30; Jomel Warrican 6-112, Shamar Joseph 2-84) and 77-2 (Babar Azam 24 not out, Abdullah Shafique 24 not out)

Player of the match – Abdullah Shafique (Pakistan)

Player of the series – Babar Azam (Pakistan) & Justin Greaves (West Indies)