Pakistan's first Test series win in West Indies (Source: X)
After a turbulent phase marked by poor performances and constant scrutiny, Pakistan cricket is turning the page with a familiar face in charge. As Babar Azam made a stunning comeback as the Test skipper of the side, the Men in Green are on the hunt to reclaim the old glory.
Returning to the longest format, Pakistan is facing the West Indies in a two-match Test series on Caribbean soil. Since the beginning, the red-ball encounter between these two cricketing giants has always been entertaining.
For years, the Caribbean soil remained Pakistan's toughest Test frontier. But in 2017, they ended the drought, silenced the doubters, and etched the Men in Green into history.
Five Decades, Countless Attempts, One Historic Breakthrough
Over the years, Pakistan has been one of the strongest forces in the cricket world, producing some of the game's most iconic stars. While the India-Pakistan rivalry remains the sport's ultimate blockbuster, the Men in Green have also shared several unforgettable battles with the West Indies, creating a rivalry filled with drama, intensity, and historic moments.
In the longest format, Pakistan faced the West Indies for the first time in 1958, but the five-match series ended in heartbreak for the Men in Green. Although they later defeated the Caribbean side at home, conquering the West Indies in their own backyard remained an elusive dream for nearly six decades.
After 57 years of relentless effort, hard work, and an unreal hunger to shine on Caribbean soil, Pakistan finally broke the curse in 2017. In a three-match Test series, the Men in Green snatched a classic 2-1 victory and scripted history.
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Pakistan's Dream Start Meets A Sudden Collapse
Determined to rewrite history, Pakistan arrived in the West Indies under Misbah-ul-Haq's captaincy for the 2017 Test series. While bowling first, Pakistan had a great start as the West Indies batters crumbled under pressure. Their disciplined bowling attack eventually bundled out the hosts for just 286 runs.
While coming to bat, Pakistan got a decent start, but Babar Azam and Younis Khan’s 131-run stand strengthened their foot. Coming to bat at the number 5th position, captain Misbah-ul-Haq played a classic 99-run knock as the Men in Green put on a total of 407 runs. With unreal dominance, they registered a seven-wicket victory.
Despite a solid beginning, Pakistan faced a massive heartbreak in the second Test match. Depending on Roston Chase’s spectacular 131, the home side put on a massive total of 312 runs. In reply, Pakistan put on 393, but the biggest shock was on the way.
The drama ignited in the second innings as Pakistan needed 188 runs to seal another victory. In front of West Indies’ fiery bowling attack, the Men in Green ended their innings in just 81 runs and faced a massive 106-run defeat.
The Phoenix Rises, Pakistan Conquer On The Caribbean Soil
The series was hanging on a nerve-wracking margin of 1-1, and both teams were just one win away. While batting first in the game, Pakistan had an early slump, but Babar Azam and Azhar Ali’s exceptional partnership turned the tide.
While Babar contributed a valuable 55, Azhar anchored the innings with a magnificent 127 to put Pakistan in command. Adding to that, Captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed’s crucial half-centuries, Pakistan put on a total of 376 runs.
Returning with the ball, Pakistan bowlers started the domination where the batters left off. Despite Roston Chase’s responsible half-century, West Indies ended their first innings at 247 runs. After the Men in Green declared their second innings at 174 runs, the hosts needed 304 runs to secure the victory.
While chasing the total, West Indies crumbled early on as the Pakistani bowlers tightened their grip. Despite the unfortunate slump, Chase played an unbeaten knock of 101 runs, but the other batters failed to assist him.
With exceptional dominance, Pakistan restricted the hosts to just 202 runs and registered a clinical 101-run victory. The triumph was far more than just another series win as it marked Pakistan's first-ever Test series triumph on Caribbean soil, ending a 57-year curse historically.
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