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Masterclass in Trinidad: Pakistan Takes Command in Second Test Against West Indies Following Shafique's Brilliant Century

A towering, unbroken 168-run partnership between Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam dismantles the Caribbean bowling attack, leaving the tourists firmly in control at Queen's Park Oval.

By 19Network Editorial Team · Aug 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Pakistan has spectacularly flipped the momentum of the Caribbean tour. Driven by an elegant, unbeaten 107 from Abdullah Shafique and a commanding 86 from captain Babar Azam, the tourists dominated Day 2 of the second Test at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad, closing the day at a commanding 266-2 and trailing the West Indies by just 78 runs.

Key Takeaways

Shafique's Masterclass: Drafted in as an emergency replacement, Abdullah Shafique recorded his sixth Test century, finishing Day 2 unbeaten on a flawless 107.
Captain's Knock: Babar Azam provided vital, composed support with an unbeaten 86, anchoring a monumental unbroken 168-run stand for the third wicket.
Caribbean Collapse: The West Indies, after resuming the day on 239-5, were swiftly bowled out for 344 by lunch, losing their final five wickets to disciplined Pakistani spin.
Turning the Tide: Following a disastrous 90-run defeat in the first Test, Pakistan’s top order displayed remarkable resilience on an improving pitch, seizing total control of the match.
Strategic Advantage: With three days remaining and eight wickets in hand, Pakistan is perfectly positioned to build a massive first-innings lead and dictate the outcome of the series.

In the unpredictable theater of Test cricket, momentum can shift in the space of a single session. For the Pakistan national team, that monumental shift arrived on Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies at the iconic Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Erasing the bitter memory of their 90-run collapse in the opening match of the series, the tourists delivered a batting clinic, ending the day on 266-2 and asserting absolute dominance over the Caribbean hosts. The architectural foundation of Pakistan’s commanding position was built by Abdullah Shafique. Recalled to the squad as a late replacement following a finger injury to Shan Masood, the 26-year-old opener grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Displaying immense patience, technical purity, and decisive footwork against the turning ball, Shafique crafted a majestic, unbeaten 107 off 185 deliveries. His innings, decorated with 10 exquisite boundaries and two towering sixes, marked his sixth Test century and served as a masterclass in exploiting favorable batting conditions. At the other end of the 22-yard strip stood captain Babar Azam, who silenced his recent critics with an innings of supreme calm and…