Trinidad, August 5, 2026: Pakistan moved within touching distance of levelling the two-match Test series after their spin attack reduced the West Indies to 103 for six, a lead of just 60 runs, at the close of the third day’s play in the second and final Test at the Queen’s Park Oval.
After resuming their first innings at 266-2, Pakistan were bowled out for 387, taking a 43-run first-innings lead over the hosts’ total of 344. Opener Abdullah Shafique anchored the innings with an outstanding unbeaten 160, while Sajid Khan contributed a valuable 30 runs before later starring with the ball.
Pakistan appeared set for a much bigger total before suffering a dramatic collapse, losing their last eight wickets for just 106 runs. The turning point came when captain Babar Azam, who resumed on 86, was run out for 88 after a mix-up with Shafique while attempting a risky single.
The dismissal also resulted in an injury to West Indies opener Brandon King, whose direct-hit throw from point completed the run-out. King suffered back spasms during the play and was stretchered off the field after receiving medical treatment.
West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was the standout bowler, claiming 6-112. He wrapped up Pakistan’s innings in dramatic fashion by taking three wickets in four deliveries just before tea, leaving Shafique stranded unbeaten at the non-striker’s end after a marathon knock spanning more than seven-and-a-half hours. The opener faced 323 deliveries and struck 15 fours and three sixes.
Speaking after the day’s play, West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul praised Warrican’s performance, describing him as “excellent” for maintaining relentless pressure. He said the hosts would still have a chance if they could extend their lead to around 150 runs on a deteriorating pitch offering significant turn and variable bounce.
Pakistan’s spinners then dominated the final session. Sajid Khan ripped through the middle order by dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope and nightwatchman Jayden Seales to finish the day with four wickets.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman also played a key role, removing Kavem Hodge before dismissing West Indies captain Roston Chase with the final ball of the day after taking a sharp return catch.
With only Justin Greaves, the hosts’ first-innings top scorer, remaining as the main batting hope, Pakistan head into the fourth day firmly in control and well placed to secure victory and draw the series level.
