Babar Azam's bid for a first Test century since 2022 ended in a dramatic run-out, and West Indies hit back with three quick wickets before lunch in the second Test against Pakistan.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam was denied his first Test century in four years as West Indies fought back in the second and final Test on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) in Port of Spain.
Babar, who last scored a Test century in December 2022 against New Zealand at Karachi, was run out for 88 by Brandon King's stunning direct throw from short cover before Pakistan's middle order collapsed. Pakistan reached 333-6 at lunch on Day 3, still trailing by 11 runs.
Abdullah Shafique held the fort at 132 not out, with tailender Sajid Khan unbeaten on 16.
King picked up a lower back injury and had to be stretchered off after he fell awkwardly while making the sharp throw that ran out Babar at the striker's end. Shafique had refused to go for a tight single, and Babar could not recover his ground after running halfway down the wicket.
West Indies dried up the runs through disciplined bowling from Jomel Warrican and Jayden Seales after Pakistan resumed the day at 266-2. Babar and Shafique, who had rotated the strike well on Day 2, stretched their partnership to 183 before West Indies claimed three wickets for just five runs.
Warrican was outstanding with both the old ball and the second new ball. The left-arm spinner had debutant Awais Zafar clean bowled for 1 after the batter came out of his crease attempting a big shot but missed the line of the ball completely.
Shamar Joseph then trapped Salman Ali Agha plumb in front for leg before wicket, and Warrican picked up his third wicket of the innings after the second new ball was taken, bowling Mohammad Rizwan for 18.
Shafique patiently held one end up, but West Indies restricted him to just 25 runs added to his overnight score of 107.
West Indies lead the two-match series after a 90-run victory in the first Test.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Cricket. Photo courtesy The Hindu Cricket.