Ton-up Babar, Azan put Pakistan in commanding position against West Indies XI

TAROUBA: Centuries from Babar Azam and Azan Awais, backed by half-centuries from Shan Masood and Abdullah Fazal, put Pakistan in a commanding position on the second day of their warm-up match against the West Indies XI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Sunday.

Resuming on 184-2 in 60.4 overs, Pakistan advanced to 455-4 in 136.5 overs, with their top order producing an impressive batting display ahead of the two-match Test series against the West Indies.

Awais, who had resumed unbeaten overnight, became the first centurion of the match after sharing a century partnership with Babar. The opener retired out after compiling a patient 100 from 241 deliveries, striking nine fours and a six.

Babar then took charge of the innings alongside youngster Abdullah Fazal. The pair added valuable runs as the returning Test captain reached his half-century before converting it into a fluent hundred. Babar was eventually retired out after scoring 100 from 151 balls, an innings featuring 12 fours and a six.

Fazal also impressed with a composed knock, bringing up his half-century before retiring out on 50 from 97 deliveries, including six boundaries.

Salman Ali Agha then joined Mohammad Rizwan at the crease as Pakistan comfortably crossed the 400-run mark. However, Agha fell just short of a half-century, dismissed by Ryan Bandoo for 46 off 60 balls after hitting three fours and two sixes.

Rizwan was later joined by Aamer Jamal, with the pair steering Pakistan beyond the 450-run mark. Jamal became Pakistan's fourth wicket to fall after scoring 22 from 38 deliveries, including three fours, before Bandoo struck again.

At the close of play, Rizwan remained unbeaten on 44 from 103 deliveries, having struck one six, and will resume Pakistan's innings on the third day.

On the opening day, Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq early after a 39-run opening stand. Imam scored 10 from 36 deliveries, including one boundary, before Ojay Shields claimed his wicket.

Shan Masood then joined Awais as the duo took control of the innings with a superb 108-run partnership. Awais reached a well-crafted half-century, while Masood also brought up his fifty as Pakistan moved past the 100-run mark.

The partnership ended when Jomel Warrican dismissed Masood for an impressive 70 off 100 deliveries, an innings that included 10 fours, leaving Pakistan on 147-2 in 45.4 overs.

Babar then arrived at the crease and, together with Awais, guided Pakistan beyond the 150-run mark before stumps on the opening day, laying the foundation for the visitors' dominant position.