Comeback heroes Sajid Khan and Abdullah Shafique, alongside a masterful innings from captain Babar Azam, have put Pakistan in a commanding position to dictate the second Test against the West Indies.

Returning to the side after missing the first Test, off-spinner Sajid Khan was instrumental in wrapping up the West Indies’ first innings. He finished with impressive figures of 4 for 85 from 32.4 overs as the hosts were bowled out for 344 after resuming on 239 for five.

In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup showed class and determination, closing the second day’s play at a formidable 266 for two. The innings was anchored by Abdullah Shafique, who marked his return to the Test squad with a brilliant unbeaten 107—his sixth career century. Abdullah, playing in his first Test since December 2022, was a late addition to the squad, replacing the injured Shan Masood. His performance demonstrated a triumphant return to form.

Young opener Azan Awais also played a vital role, scoring a well-constructed 55 that included 10 boundaries. He contributed to a solid 64-run partnership for the second wicket with Abdullah before his departure.

Captain Babar Azam then joined Abdullah at the crease, and the pair built an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168 runs. Babar batted with his signature grace and fluency, remaining not out on 86 from 126 balls. If the skipper reaches three figures on day three, it will be his first Test century in 35 innings, breaking a drought stretching back to December 2022.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers worked efficiently to clean up the West Indies’ tail. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman provided a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Justin Greaves (73) with the second new ball, finishing with figures of 2 for 80. Debutant fast bowler Ubaid Shah also impressed, claiming the wicket of West Indies captain Roston Chase (70) with a classic delivery that shattered the stumps. Ubaid finished his first Test innings with 2 for 66.

With a deficit of just 78 runs and eight wickets in hand, Pakistan has established a platform to build a significant first-innings lead. The focused and tactical batting from Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam has neutralized the West Indian attack and swung the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favor as they look to end their string of away defeats.

Scores in brief (2nd Test, day 2 of 5):

WEST INDIES (1st innings, overnight 239-5, 74 overs) 344 all-out, 105.4 overs (Justin Greaves73, 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)

PAKISTAN (1^st innings) 266-2, 66 overs (Abdullah Shafique 107 not out, Babar Azam 86 not out, Azan Awais 55)