Port-of-Spain – A superb batting display by Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam have left Pakistan in firm control of the second Test against West Indies at the close of play on the second day yesterday.
Shafique’s unbeaten 107 off 185 balls, coupled with captain Azam’s 86 not out off 126 balls, powered the visitors to a formidable 266 for two in reply to the West Indies’ total of 344 at the Queen’s Park Oval.
The pair has so far added 168 runs for the third wicket to put Pakistan on course to post a mammoth first innings total and give their side a hefty lead, as they trail by just 78 runs heading into today’s third day of play.
West Indies contributed to their own demise with their wayward bowling, gifting Pakistan’s batsmen free runs, with wicket-taking deliveries few and far between.
The home side’s opening pace attack of Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales was inconsistent, with Azan Awais hitting Roach for three consecutive boundaries in the third over of the innings.
Together with partner Imam-ul-Haq, they put on 34 runs inside eight overs, before Shamar Joseph produced a snorter off a good length that hit the top of his bat and ballooned to gully for Jomel Warrican to take an easy catch.
Awais continued to take advantage of the slack bowling on offer, hitting Joseph for four fours in the 12th over to move into the 40s, while Shafique wasted little time in joining in on the action by blasting Warrican for sixes in successive overs.
Summarised scores:
West Indies 344 in 105.4 overs (Justin Greaves 73, Roston Chase 70, Brandon King 46, Shai Hope 29, Amir Jangoo 26, Kemar Roach 19, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 15, Kavem Hodge 10; Sajid Khan 4-85, Ubaid Shah 2-66, Mohammad Ali 2-67, Ali Usman 2-80). Pakistan 266-2 in 66 overs (Abdullah Shafique 107 not out, Babar Azam 86 not out, Azan Awais 55, Imam-ul-Haq 14). West Indies lead by 78 runs with eight wickets in hand.
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