West Indies end 34-year drought with stunning victory over Pakistan

The West Indies showcased a spin-bowling masterclass to defeat Pakistan by 120 runs in the second and final Test of the series, leveling the contest 1-1. This victory marked the West Indies' first Test win on Pakistan’s home soil in 34 years, their last triumph coming in 1990.

Chasing a target of 254 runs, Pakistan faltered under relentless pressure from the Caribbean spinners and were bowled out for just 133 on Day 3. The hosts, resuming at 76/4 with six wickets in hand, needed 178 more runs to secure victory. However, their fragile batting lineup crumbled within the first 20 minutes of play.

Kevin Sinclair struck a major blow by dismissing Saud Shakeel in the very first over of the day for 13 runs. Jomel Warrican followed up in the next over, removing Kashif Ali for a single, leaving Pakistan reeling at 76/6. 

A brief partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha brought some stability as they added 39 runs for the seventh wicket. However, Warrican once again shifted the momentum, dismissing Salman Ali Agha for 15. Rizwan, who fought valiantly, fell soon after for 25 runs, becoming Warrican’s fourth victim. At 122/8, Pakistan’s collapse continued, with Noman Ali hitting a six before being dismissed for six runs. Sajid Khan was the last to fall, sealing a historic win for the West Indies.

Warrican was the star performer with outstanding figures of 5/27, while Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie claimed three and two wickets, respectively.

The groundwork for West Indies' victory was laid on Day 2 when they reduced Pakistan to 76/4 during their chase. Openers Shan Masood and Mohammad Hurraira fell cheaply for two runs each, while Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam’s 43-run partnership provided some resistance before Warrican dismissed Ghulam for 19. Sinclair struck a decisive blow by removing Babar for 31, leaving Pakistan in trouble at the close of play.

Earlier in the West Indies' second innings, Pakistan’s spinners dominated, restricting the visitors to 244. Kraigg Brathwaite fought hard with a half-century but received little support from the middle order. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan each claimed four wickets, ensuring the target remained within reach.
 

Teams:

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Kashif Ali, Abrar Ahmed.  

West Indies Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Amir Jangoo, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican