Shafique and Babar Masterclass Put Pakistan in Complete Command at Stumps on Day Two

There is an unmistakable magic to Test cricket when a batting partnership flows with absolute aesthetic harmony. At the historic Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, under the bright Trinidad sun, that exact brand of batting poetry took center stage.

If Day One belonged to the resilient West Indies lower middle order grinding out runs, Day Two belonged entirely to Pakistan. Backed by a magnificent unbeaten century from Abdullah Shafique and a fluent, commanding innings from captain Babar Azam, the visitors seized complete control of the second and final Test.

When the bails were finally drawn for stumps, Pakistan stood comfortably at 266/2 in 66 overs, trailing by just 78 runs with eight wickets intact and a firm grip on the contest.

Let us break down how the action unfolded across a brilliant day of Test cricket.

Wrapping Up the West Indies Tail

Morning sessions in the Caribbean often reward disciplined bowling with the second new ball, and Pakistan's attack made full use of the conditions.

Resuming on 239/5, West Indies hoped to push their total beyond 350. Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase extended their sixth-wicket stand before Pakistan struck back.

Ali Usman removed the well-set Greaves for 73, while debutant Ubaid Shah bowled Roston Chase for 70. Off-spinner Sajid Khan then cleaned up the lower order, finishing with 4/85, as West Indies were bowled out for 344 shortly before lunch.

Azan Awais Sets the Platform

Pakistan's reply suffered an early setback when Imam-ul-Haq departed for 14, but young opener Azan Awais responded positively.

Playing confidently against both pace and spin, Awais scored an entertaining 55 off 71 balls, striking 10 boundaries and ensuring Pakistan maintained a healthy scoring rate. Although he was eventually trapped lbw by Jomel Warrican, his attacking approach laid the perfect platform for the middle order.

Shafique and Babar Produce a Batting Masterclass

With the innings well placed, Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam combined to produce one of Pakistan's finest batting partnerships of the series.

Shafique displayed outstanding temperament and shot selection, compiling an unbeaten 107 from 185 deliveries, including 10 fours and 2 sixes. He mixed solid defence with elegant stroke play to frustrate the West Indies bowlers throughout the afternoon.

At the other end, Babar Azam looked equally assured. The Pakistan captain remained unbeaten on 86 off 126 balls, striking 10 boundaries and a six while rotating the strike effortlessly and punishing every loose delivery.

Their unbroken partnership steadily shifted the balance of the match in Pakistan's favour and left the hosts searching for answers heading into Day Three.

Day Two Summary

West Indies: 344 all out

• Justin Greaves: 73
• Roston Chase: 70
• Sajid Khan: 4/85

Pakistan: 266/2 (66 overs)

• Abdullah Shafique: 107* (185)
• Babar Azam: 86* (126)
• Azan Awais: 55 (71)

Stumps: Pakistan trail by 78 runs with 8 wickets remaining.

Looking Ahead to Day Three

Pakistan head into Day Three in complete control of the second Test.

With Abdullah Shafique already into three figures and Babar Azam closing in on a century, the visitors have an excellent opportunity to build a substantial first-innings lead before the pitch begins to deteriorate further.

West Indies will need early breakthroughs if they are to pull themselves back into the contest.

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