By SK | TheGlobalNews

Pakistan produced a composed and determined batting response on Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies as Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam stitched together an unbeaten partnership that swung the momentum firmly in the visitors’ favour. After West Indies posted a competitive first-innings total of 344, Pakistan closed the day on 266/2, trailing by 78 runs with eight wickets still in hand.

The unbeaten third-wicket stand between Shafique and Babar steadied Pakistan after the early loss of two wickets and transformed what could have been a difficult chase into a position of strength. Shafique remained unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls, while Babar ended the day on 86 not out from 126 deliveries, leaving Pakistan well placed to challenge West Indies’ first-innings total when play resumes.

Pakistan Finish Day 2 in a Strong Position

West Indies began the day hoping their total of 344 would allow the bowlers to apply immediate pressure. While they managed to remove Pakistan’s first two batters, the innings soon settled as Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam took complete control.

Instead of chasing quick runs, the pair focused on building a long partnership. They left deliveries outside the off stump, punished loose balls and rotated the strike consistently, ensuring the West Indies bowlers never built sustained pressure.

By stumps, Pakistan had reached 266 for 2, reducing the deficit to just 78 runs. More importantly, they still have two well-set batters at the crease and an opportunity to secure a valuable first-innings lead on Day 3.

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Abdullah Shafique’s Sixth Test Century Showed Class and Patience

Abdullah Shafique once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most dependable Test openers.

His unbeaten century was not built on aggressive stroke play alone but on discipline, concentration and excellent shot selection. From the beginning of his innings, Shafique showed a willingness to leave deliveries outside off stump and wait patiently for scoring opportunities.

Whenever the West Indies bowlers drifted onto his pads or offered width, he responded with crisp drives and well-timed cuts. Against the spinners, he relied on soft hands, quick footwork and intelligent strike rotation rather than taking unnecessary risks.

Reaching his sixth Test century, Shafique displayed remarkable temperament. He absorbed pressure during the early stages before gradually increasing the scoring rate as the bowlers tired.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his innings was his partnership-building ability. Instead of focusing solely on personal milestones, he constantly communicated with Babar Azam, rotated the strike effectively and ensured Pakistan remained in control throughout the final two sessions.

His unbeaten 107 from 185 balls, featuring 10 boundaries, has become one of his finest overseas Test innings and provides Pakistan with the perfect platform heading into Day 3.

Babar Azam Produces a Calm and Confident Knock

Much of the attention before the match centred on Babar Azam, who had faced increased scrutiny over his recent Test returns.

While it would be premature to describe this innings as a long-term return to form, his unbeaten 86 was exactly the type of knock Pakistan needed from their captain.

From the moment he arrived at the crease, Babar looked composed. His trademark cover drives, elegant wrist work through midwicket and precise timing were all on display.

Rather than forcing the pace, Babar trusted his technique. He rotated the strike consistently, punished anything overpitched and remained patient against disciplined bowling.

His confidence appeared to grow with every passing over, and by the final session he was dictating the tempo of the innings. Importantly, he complemented Shafique perfectly, ensuring neither batter allowed the bowlers to settle.

Although he narrowly missed a century on Day 2, Babar will have an excellent opportunity to reach three figures on the third morning while also helping Pakistan secure a first-innings advantage.

The Turning Point of the Match

The defining moment of the contest came after Pakistan slipped to two wickets down.

With West Indies sensing an opportunity to build on their first-innings total of 344, Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam completely changed the direction of the game.

Their unbeaten third-wicket partnership frustrated the West Indies attack, blunted the new ball and steadily reduced the deficit. As the partnership grew, Pakistan’s confidence increased while the hosts struggled to create meaningful chances.

Instead of allowing West Indies to dominate after their first innings, Pakistan finished the day looking like the side in control.

Partnership Analysis

The partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam has been the highlight of the match so far.

The pair added 168 unbeaten runs for the third wicket, combining solid defence with positive stroke play.

Several features stood out:

Excellent communication between the two batters.
Regular strike rotation prevented the bowlers from settling.
Loose deliveries were punished without unnecessary risks.
They handled both pace and spin with equal confidence.
Patience remained their greatest strength during long defensive spells.

Shafique was particularly effective square of the wicket and through the covers, while Babar’s elegant drives and wristy flicks ensured the scoreboard continued moving.

The partnership not only erased much of West Indies’ advantage but also shifted the psychological momentum firmly towards Pakistan.

Can Pakistan Take the First-Innings Lead?

Pakistan enter Day 3 in a promising position but still have important work to do.

Trailing by only 78 runs, they have eight wickets remaining and two established batters at the crease.

The first objective will be to move beyond West Indies’ total and secure a healthy first-innings lead. That could place significant scoreboard pressure on the hosts during their second innings.

However, the match remains finely balanced.

If West Indies can dismiss Shafique and Babar early on Day 3, the contest could quickly swing back in their favour.

Pitch conditions may also become increasingly challenging as the Test progresses, making every additional run valuable.

For Pakistan, converting their current position into a substantial lead will be crucial. For West Indies, early breakthroughs are essential to remain in contention.

Key Statistics

Batter	Runs	Balls	Status
Abdullah Shafique	107*	185	Not Out
Babar Azam	86*	126	Not Out
Azan Awais	55	71	Out
Pakistan	266/2	66 overs	Stumps Day 2
West Indies	344	All Out	First Innings

Records and Milestones

Abdullah Shafique’s century marked the sixth Test hundred of his career, underlining his growing reputation as one of Pakistan’s most reliable top-order batters.

The unbeaten third-wicket stand of 168 runs also became the highest partnership of the match so far and played a decisive role in shifting momentum back towards Pakistan.

What’s Next on Day 3?

Pakistan’s primary objective will be to erase the remaining deficit quickly before building as large a first-innings lead as possible.

Shafique will look to convert his century into an even bigger score, while Babar Azam has an excellent opportunity to complete what would be a valuable Test hundred.

West Indies, meanwhile, must strike early with the new ball and prevent Pakistan from dominating the remainder of the innings. Breaking the Shafique-Babar partnership will be their biggest priority.

With the first-innings lead still undecided, the opening session on Day 3 could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the Test.

FAQs

How many runs did Abdullah Shafique score?

Abdullah Shafique finished Day 2 unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls, registering his sixth Test century.

Did Babar Azam score a century?

No. Babar Azam ended Day 2 unbeaten on 86 and will resume his innings on Day 3.

What is Pakistan’s score after Day 2?

Pakistan closed Day 2 on 266 for 2, trailing West Indies by 78 runs.

Who is leading the second Test?

Pakistan hold the momentum after their strong batting display, but the match remains evenly poised as the first-innings lead has yet to be secured.

Can Pakistan take a first-innings lead?

Yes. With only 78 runs required and eight wickets in hand, Pakistan are well placed to move ahead, although West Indies will look for early wickets on Day 3.