Pakistan Resurrects Pride: A Historic Away Test Win After Three Long Years
The second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies in Sabina Park, Jamaica, will be remembered as the match where Pakistan finally broke their three-year away Test win drought. After a disappointing loss in the first Test, Babar Azam’s men bounced back in style, securing an 8-wicket victory to level the series 1-1. This win not only salvaged Pakistan’s pride but also marked their first away Test triumph since August 2021—a period that had seen them struggle in foreign conditions.
A Complete Team Effort: Bowlers Set the Stage, Batters Finish the Job
Pakistan’s victory was built on a collective team performance, with both bowlers and batters stepping up when it mattered most. The foundation was laid on Day 3, when Pakistan’s pace attack—led by the ever-reliable Shaheen Afridi and the resurgent Mohammad Abbas—ripped through the West Indies batting lineup. The hosts, who had posted a modest 257 in their first innings, collapsed to 150 all out in their second dig, setting Pakistan a target of just 89 runs.
Shaheen Afridi, who had been quiet in the first Test, roared back to life with 4/39, while Abbas chipped in with 3/44. The spin duo of Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali also played crucial roles, ensuring the West Indies had no respite. The fielding, often a weak link for Pakistan, was sharp, with Abdullah Shafique taking a stunning catch to dismiss Kraigg Brathwaite.
Babar & Saud Shafique Seal the Deal in Style
Chasing a small target, Pakistan’s openers—Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique—got off to a steady start before Shafique fell for 26. However, the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel ensured there were no hiccups. Babar, who had been under immense pressure after a rare failure in the first Test, played a classy unbeaten 33, while Saud Shakeel remained not out on 20 as Pakistan cruised to victory in just 15.5 overs.
This win was particularly sweet for Babar, who had faced criticism for Pakistan’s recent struggles in away Tests. His calm and composed innings underlined why he remains one of the best batters in the world. The victory also provided a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, keeping their hopes alive for a top-four finish.
Key Takeaways from Pakistan’s Historic Win
- End of the Away Test Win Drought: Pakistan’s last away Test victory came against West Indies in August 2021. This win ends a frustrating run of 12 away Tests without a victory, including losses in Australia, England, and New Zealand.
- Bowling Depth Shines: Pakistan’s pace attack, often criticized for inconsistency, delivered when it mattered. Shaheen Afridi’s resurgence and Abbas’ experience were crucial in dismantling the West Indies batting.
- Babar’s Leadership Vindicated: After a rare failure in the first Test, Babar led from the front with both bat and captaincy, silencing his critics.
- Saud Shakeel’s Growing Influence: The left-handed batter has been a revelation in Test cricket, providing stability in the middle order. His partnership with Babar was key to the chase.
- Fielding Improvements: Pakistan’s fielding, often a weak link, was sharp in this Test, with crucial catches and run-outs making a difference.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
While this win is a massive confidence booster, Pakistan must now focus on consistency. Their next challenge is a tough away series against Australia later this year, followed by home Tests against Bangladesh and England. If they can carry this momentum, they could well be a force to reckon with in the 2025 WTC cycle.
For the West Indies, this series was a mixed bag. While they showed glimpses of their old fighting spirit in the first Test, their batting collapses in the second Test were concerning. With a young team still finding its feet, they will need to work on their mental resilience and technique against quality pace bowling.
Final Thoughts: A Win That Restores Hope
This victory is more than just a statistic—it’s a statement of intent. Pakistan has often been labeled as a team that struggles outside the subcontinent, but this win proves they have the talent and temperament to succeed anywhere. The challenge now is to build on this success and turn it into a habit rather than an exception.
For the fans, this win is a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of Test cricket. After three long years of waiting, Pakistan has finally delivered an away Test win that will be cherished for years to come.
What are your thoughts on Pakistan’s historic win? Do you think they can carry this momentum into the next series? Drop your comments below!