Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam, despite his impressive batting, fell just short of a century in the second Test against the West Indies. He was run out by a direct throw from Brandon King at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on 88. This unfortunate dismissal dashed his hopes of ending his more than three-year Test century drought.
PAK vs WI: Babar Azam run out for 88, his Test century drought extends to 1679 days
PAK vs WI
Run-out blow amid impressive comeback
After losing the first Test, the Pakistani team made a strong comeback in this match. Babar Azam, who had been searching for form for a long time, displayed excellent technique and composure at the crease, putting the team in a strong position. However, just as he was close to his century, a precise throw from Brandon King ended his innings. On the other hand, opener Abdullah Shafique, returning to the team after a 10-month injury layoff, scored a brilliant century to give Pakistan a decisive first-innings lead.
No century since December 26, 2022
Babar Azam scored his last Test century on December 26, 2022, against New Zealand in Karachi, scoring 161 runs. His century drought has lasted 1,679 days, as of August 4, 2026. His average has steadily declined over the past two years, and despite his 88-run innings in this match, he failed to reach three figures.
Team Situation
Babar Azam may have missed out on his personal best, but his and Abdullah Shafique’s innings have given Pakistan a strong foothold in the second Test. The pressure has built on the West Indies team’s first innings. To level the series, the Pakistani bowlers will now need to perform disciplined in the second innings.