Shafique's Unbeaten 160 Turns the Port of Spain Test Pakistan's Way
Abdullah Shafique carried his bat through a Pakistan innings of 387 at Queen's Park Oval, and by the close West Indies were six down and only 60 ahead. The second Test goes into its final day with Pakistan holding the better cards.
The second Test between West Indies and Pakistan at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain has swung, and it swung around one innings.
Shafique bats and bats
West Indies made 344 batting first. Pakistan's reply looked like it might fall short until Abdullah Shafique refused to leave, finishing unbeaten on 160. Babar Azam gave him the substantial partner every long innings needs, making 88, and Pakistan closed on 387 for a lead of 43.
That lead should have been larger. Jomel Warrican, the left arm spinner, took six for 112 and kept West Indies within touching distance almost single handedly. A six wicket haul that concedes 112 runs is the sort of return that looks expensive on paper and reads very differently in context: he was the only bowler making anything happen while Shafique settled in.
Then the spin came back the other way
West Indies began their second innings 43 behind and quickly lost their shape. Sajid Khan took four for 32 and the hosts slid to 103 for six, a lead of just 60 with four wickets standing.
Where that leaves the final day
A lead of 60 with four wickets in hand is not a position any side wants on the fourth evening of a Test. West Indies need their lower order to bat long enough to set something awkward on a surface that is now clearly helping the spinners. Pakistan need a short morning.
The match has its final day on 6 August. Whatever the result, the first innings of it will be remembered for a batter who simply did not get out.