Babar Azam was left heartbroken after a mix-up with Abdullah Shafique brought an end to his superb knock on Day 3 of the second Test against West Indies at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Resuming the day on 86 with Pakistan trailing by 78 runs and eight wickets in hand, Babar looked set to end his long wait for a Test century. However, the former Pakistan captain fell agonisingly short after being run out for 88, leaving him sitting on the pitch in disbelief before slowly walking back to the pavilion.
West Indies vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 3: Updates | Scorecard
The dramatic dismissal came in the 75th over. Facing Jomel Warrican, Babar pushed the ball towards the covers and immediately set off for a single that was never on. Abdullah Shafique, batting at the non-striker’s end after completing his century, quickly sent him back. By then, Babar had crossed halfway down the pitch and had little chance of making his ground.
Despite a desperate dive, Brandon King’s direct hit caught Babar well short of the crease. The batter instantly realised his fate and remained seated on the pitch with his head down as the umpires referred the decision to the third umpire, a formality given the clear run-out. Babar’s wait for a Test century has now stretched to 1,317 days.
BABAR PLAYS FIGHTING KNOCK
Babar stood tall when Pakistan needed him the most. Having scored a fighting half-century in the second innings of the opening Test, only to end up on the losing side, he produced a classy effort in Trinidad as Pakistan attempted to level the two-match series.
The right-hander reached his fifty in just 67 balls, bringing up the milestone with a fluent display of strokeplay. He struck crisp drives through the off side, used his wrists superbly against the seamers and handled the spinners with confidence, keeping Pakistan in a strong position alongside Abdullah Shafique.
Babar eventually made 88 off 147 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and a six during his stay at the crease. While the innings showcased his class and composure, it ultimately ended in frustration rather than celebration.
Pakistan will now hope that the solid platform laid by Babar and Shafique helps them post a sizeable lead as they bid to bounce back from their defeat in the series opener and keep the contest alive heading into the final stages of the second Test.
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