Shafique Century, Babar 86 Put Pakistan in Control in Trinidad
PORT OF SPAIN: Abdullah Shafique marked his return to Pakistan's Test side with an unbeaten century, while captain Babar Azam moved within sight of three figures as the tourists mounted a commanding response against the West Indies in Trinidad. Pakistan closed the second day of the second Test at 266 for two, only 78 runs behind the hosts' first-innings total of 344.
Shafique remained unbeaten on 107 from 185 deliveries after producing a controlled innings featuring 10 fours and two sixes. The 26-year-old reached his sixth Test hundred shortly before stumps, completing an impressive comeback only days after joining the squad as an emergency replacement for the injured Shan Masood.
Babar finished the day unbeaten on 86 from 126 balls, striking 10 boundaries and one six. The Pakistan captain combined patience with fluent stroke-making as he and Shafique added an unbroken 168 runs for the third wicket, steadily taking control on a surface that became increasingly favourable for batting.
Pakistan batting coach Asad Shafique praised the partnership and said it provided the stability the team had lacked in recent Test matches. He highlighted Abdullah Shafique's ability to punish loose deliveries while showing discipline against accurate bowling, describing the century as a strong response to his recent spell outside the national side.
The partnership carried added significance following Pakistan's batting collapse in the opening Test, where the team was dismissed for 120 in its second innings and suffered a 90-run defeat. Babar, who had remained unbeaten on 58 in that innings, again played the central role in rebuilding Pakistan's position and guiding his returning teammate through the closing stages.
Earlier, opener Azan Awais contributed an attacking 55 from 71 balls, including 10 fours, before a television review confirmed his dismissal leg-before to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Imamul Haq was the other wicket to fall, removed by fast bowler Shamar Joseph before Shafique and Babar took charge of the innings.
Shafique was used at number three in the absence of Masood and appeared comfortable despite the unfamiliar position. His recall followed strong performances in domestic cricket and gave him his first Test opportunity since losing his place after Pakistan's home series against South Africa in October.
The West Indies had earlier extended their overnight total by 109 runs. Justin Greaves scored 73 and captain Roston Chase made 70 as the pair built a 96-run sixth-wicket partnership, but Pakistan regained control after taking the second new ball. Ubaid Shah bowled Chase, while Sajid Khan removed the final three batters to finish with four wickets for 85 runs.
Pakistan will begin the third day with eight wickets in hand and a clear opportunity to establish a substantial first-innings lead. Shafique will look to extend his comeback century, while Babar needs 14 more runs for a hundred that could strengthen Pakistan's push to level the series after their defeat in the opening match.