Babar Azam Run Out for 88 in Heartbreaking Blow as Test Century Wait Continues Against West Indies

Pakistan batting star Babar Azam suffered a heartbreaking dismissal on Day 3 of the second Test against West Indies, falling agonisingly short of a long-awaited Test century after a mix-up with opening batter Abdullah Shafique resulted in a run-out for 88.

The unfortunate dismissal at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad left Babar visibly devastated as his wait for a Test hundred continued.

Key Highlights

• Babar Azam was run out for 88 on Day 3 of the second Test.
• A misunderstanding with Abdullah Shafique ended a promising innings.
• Babar was aiming for his first Test century in over three years.
• He scored 88 off 147 deliveries, including 10 fours and one six.
• Pakistan looked to build a significant lead against West Indies.

Costly Mix-Up Ends Brilliant Knock

Resuming the day unbeaten on 86, Babar appeared well set to complete a memorable century.

However, disaster struck in the 75th over when he pushed a delivery from Jomel Warrican towards the covers and immediately called for a quick single.

Abdullah Shafique, who had already completed his own century, quickly realised the run was risky and sent Babar back.

By then, the former Pakistan captain had already crossed halfway down the pitch.

West Indies fielder Brandon King collected the ball and produced a direct hit, catching Babar well short of his crease despite a desperate dive.

The batter remained seated on the pitch in disappointment before slowly making his way back to the pavilion.

Another Test Century Slips Away

The dismissal extended Babar Azam's wait for a Test century to 1,317 days.

Despite coming close on several occasions in recent years, the former Pakistan captain has been unable to convert promising starts into three-figure scores in the longest format.

His expression after the run-out reflected just how much the milestone meant to him.

Babar Anchors Pakistan's Fightback

Before the unfortunate dismissal, Babar played one of his finest innings of the series.

Batting with confidence and composure, he reached his half-century in just 67 balls, displaying elegant strokeplay against both pace and spin.

His innings included:

• 88 runs
• 147 deliveries
• 10 boundaries
• 1 six

Alongside Abdullah Shafique, Babar steadied Pakistan's innings after the visitors sought to recover from their defeat in the opening Test.

Pakistan Aim to Level the Series

Pakistan entered the second Test needing victory to level the two-match series after losing the opener.

The partnership between Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique provided the visitors with a solid platform to push for a first-innings lead and keep the series alive heading into the final stages of the match.

Although Babar missed out on a century, his innings could still prove crucial in Pakistan's bid to bounce back.

FAQs

1. Why was Babar Azam run out?

Babar attempted a quick single after playing the ball towards the covers, but Abdullah Shafique sent him back. Brandon King's direct hit caught him short of the crease.

2. How many runs did Babar Azam score?

He scored 88 runs from 147 balls, hitting 10 fours and one six.

3. Who scored a century for Pakistan?

Opening batter Abdullah Shafique completed a century during the innings.

4. How long has Babar Azam been waiting for a Test century?

Following this dismissal, Babar's wait for a Test hundred has stretched to 1,317 days.

5. Which match was this?

The incident occurred on Day 3 of the second Test between Pakistan and West Indies at Queen's Park Oval, Trinidad.