Pakistan captain Babar Azam is the joint participant of the collection. Picture: PCB
Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his delight after his staff ended a three-year watch for an away Take a look at victory by defeating West Indies within the second match of the ICC World Take a look at Championship collection in Trinidad.
Pakistan secured a commanding eight-wicket win early on the fourth day, chasing down a modest goal of 75 runs with ease. Babar supplied the final touch in fashion, smashing consecutive sixes off West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican to finish the victory and seal Pakistan’s first Take a look at win away from residence since July 2023.
The victory helped Pakistan stage the two-match collection 1-1 and transfer forward of West Indies into eighth place within the up to date ICC World Take a look at Championship standings. The consequence additionally supplied a much-needed increase forward of Pakistan’s upcoming three-match Take a look at collection towards England.
Whereas Abdullah Shafique was named Participant of the Match for his excellent unbeaten century within the first innings, Babar additionally performed a vital function within the victory. The fitting-hander narrowly missed out on 100 after scoring 97 within the first innings and remained unbeaten on the finish of the chase to information Pakistan over the road.
The Pakistan skipper’s tactical choice to incorporate a further spinner additionally paid off, with Ali Usman and Sajid Khan taking part in key roles in dismissing West Indies of their second innings. Pakistan opted to depart out skilled quick bowler Mohammad Abbas and strengthened their spin division after assessing the circumstances in Trinidad.
“After we noticed the pitch it seemed extra just like how they’re in Pakistan,” Babar defined.
“We determined to play a further spinner and it had an affect on our combos due to which we needed to omit our senior gamers.”
Babar highlighted the significance of execution, praising the staff’s self-discipline and skill to comply with their plans.
“Clearly you’re happy while you win, however most necessary for us was the way in which we executed our plans,” he stated.
“The way in which Abdullah performed within the first innings and the way in which the spinners bowled within the second innings actually made the distinction.”
Shafique additionally shared his captain’s pleasure after making a memorable return to the Take a look at facet. The batter was not initially a part of Pakistan’s squad for the tour however earned a spot after Abdullah Fazal was dominated out as a result of a again harm earlier than the primary Take a look at.
“This felt like a debut match for me, it was actually sudden,” Shafique stated.
“I haven’t been capable of get the alternatives lately, however as an expert you need to work in the direction of a comeback and provides of your greatest.”
Pakistan will now journey to England for a three-match Take a look at collection, starting at Headingley on August 19.
Collection consequence:
First Take a look at: West Indies received by 90 runs
Second Take a look at: Pakistan received by eight wickets
