Babar Azam created several records as Pakistan defeated the West Indies by eight wickets at Queen’s Park Oval. The victory levelled the two-Test series 1-1 and ended Pakistan’s eight-match losing run in away Tests.
Babar shared the Player of the Series award with West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves. The Pakistan captain scored 192 runs across four innings. His tally included 22 and an unbeaten 58 in the first Test, followed by 88 and 24 not out in Port of Spain.
The award marked Babar’s first Player of the Series honour in Test cricket. It also took his overall tally across formats to 10. That put him level with Imran Khan and Wasim Akram for the most such awards by a Pakistan player.
Imran collected eight awards in Tests and two in ODIs. Wasim won seven in Tests and three in ODIs. Babar’s collection now includes one Test award, four in ODIs and five in T20Is. Waqar Younis follows with nine.
Captaincy Record Strengthens
The result gave Babar his ninth away Test victory in 12 matches as Pakistan captain. His away win-loss ratio now stands at 3.00. That is the best among captains who have led in at least 12 away Tests, moving him ahead of Australia’s Steve Waugh.
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Pakistan had lost the opening Test by 90 runs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The defeat extended their record away losing streak to eight matches. However, Babar’s side answered strongly and secured Pakistan’s first overseas Test win since July 2023.
“You are always satisfied when you win,” Babar said after the match. He also praised the team for executing its batting and bowling plans under pressure.
Abdullah and Sajid Power Comeback
West Indies scored 344 in their first innings, but Pakistan replied with 387. Abdullah Shafique led the response with an unbeaten 160, while Babar contributed 88 from 147 balls. Their partnership helped Pakistan earn a crucial 43-run advantage.
“This comeback match felt like a debut for me,” Abdullah said after receiving the Player of the Match award. His innings also made him Pakistan’s first batter since 1977 to score more than 150 in a Test innings in the West Indies.
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Sajid Khan led the bowling attack. The off-spinner claimed four wickets in each innings and finished with eight in the match. Debutant left-arm spinner Ali Usman supported him as Pakistan dismissed West Indies for 117 in their second innings.
Pakistan needed 75 runs to win. They lost Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais before Babar and Abdullah completed the chase. Babar sealed the victory with consecutive sixes off Jomel Warrican as Pakistan reached 77 for two.
The result marked the third consecutive 1-1 Test series between the teams. Pakistan will next face England in a three-Test series starting at Headingley on August 19.
