A Long Time Coming

There are wins, and then there are wins that carry real weight. Pakistan's eight-wicket victory over West Indies at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain falls firmly into the second category. It ended an eight-match losing streak away from home stretching back to July 2023, when they last tasted overseas success against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Since then, series defeats in Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh had piled on the pressure — so this result, sealing a 1-1 series draw in Trinidad, will be celebrated long and hard in the Pakistan dressing room.

For those following the series with a bet on Pakistan to level things up after losing the first Test in Tarouba, the payout will feel well earned. Outright series market punters may want to note that Pakistan's form here — and the manner of this win — could shift their odds considerably ahead of the upcoming England series.

Spinners Do the Damage

The platform for victory was built by Pakistan's spin duo, who proved unplayable on a fourth-day surface. Sajid Khan finished with match figures of 8-117, collecting 4-32 in the second innings to go alongside his 4-85 in the first. His partner in destruction, left-armer Ali Usman — playing only his second Test — contributed 4-39 in the second innings, claiming two of his wickets on the final morning. West Indies, who resumed day four on 103-6, were bowled out for just 117 within the first half-hour of play, their last three wickets tumbling quickly and with top-order batter Brandon King absent hurt. That left Pakistan a modest target of 75 runs to win.

Shafique and Babar Seal the Deal

Pakistan's openers gave them an early fright, losing Imam-ul-Haq — caught off Jayden Seales for nine — and Azan Awais, bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18. At 57-2 at the lunch break, there were brief nerves in the stands. But this was never truly in doubt. Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam, who had already done the heavy lifting in the first innings with 160 not out and 88 respectively, returned to the crease and knocked off the remaining runs inside six overs after the interval. Both finished unbeaten on 24, wrapping up the match on day four with a day to spare.

From a coaching perspective, what impressed me most was how calmly those two approached the chase. No recklessness, no panic — just clinical, professional batting from two men who had already shown in the first innings exactly what they are capable of.

Scorecard Summary

West Indies 1st innings: 344 (Jason Greaves 73; Sajid Khan 4-85)
Pakistan 1st innings: 387 (Abdullah Shafique 160*, Babar Azam 88; Jomel Warrican 6-112)
West Indies 2nd innings: 117 (Sajid Khan 4-32, Ali Usman 4-39)
Pakistan 2nd innings: 77-2 (Shafique 24*, Babar 24*)
Result: Pakistan won by eight wickets; series drawn 1-1

Eyes Turn to Headingley

Pakistan now head to England for a three-match Test series, with the first game at Headingley scheduled for Wednesday, 19 August. The confidence gained from ending that long away losing run will be invaluable, and Shafique's imperious form — combined with the potency of their spin attack — makes them a far more competitive proposition than their recent overseas record suggested. England will be forewarned. This Pakistan side, when it clicks, is a genuine handful — and on the evidence of Port of Spain, it is clicking at exactly the right time.