Pakistan’s batting lineup staged a resilient performance in the second Test, ending the day at 266 for 2 (Shafique 107, Babar 86) and trailing West Indies’ first-innings total of 344 by 78 runs. A pivotal, unbeaten 168-run partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam anchored the response, displaying a level of authority that has been missing from the team's recent Test efforts.
Abdullah Shafique reached his century in the final stages of play. Meanwhile, Babar Azam closed the day on 86 not out. Babar’s innings was characterized by clinical shot-making, including dispatching Jayden Seales for three boundaries and rotating the strike effectively to deny the West Indies any late breakthroughs.
The day began with West Indies adding to their overnight score to reach 344 all out, aided by half-centuries from Justin Greaves (73) and Roston Chase (70). Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Sajid Khan, who finished with 4-85. Despite the early morning pressure, Pakistan’s openers set an aggressive tone. Azan Awais provided an enterprising start, hitting 14 runs in a flurry of boundaries against Kemar Roach before falling to a review by West Indies after failing to clear the line of the stumps.
It did not dull Pakistan's spark, though. Shamar Joseph bowled the quickest deliveries of the series a couple of overs later, including getting one up to a shade under 150, but Awais did not back down, dispatching him for four boundaries and out of the attack. Imam-ul-Haq was the other wicket to fall, dismissed by Joseph after being cramped on the back foot. However, the momentum remained with Pakistan as Shafique and Babar neutralized the spin of Warrican and the pace of the West Indies attack. By the time stumps were called, the duo had successfully steered Pakistan to a position of strength, silencing concerns about a potential middle-order collapse and setting up an intriguing third day.
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