Ramiz Raja applauds Pakistan's stunning comeback to level West Indies Test series
Pakistan lost the first Test by 90 runs before winning the second by eight wickets
PORT OF SPAIN: Former Pakistan captain and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja congratulated the national team after their impressive comeback victory in the second Test against the West Indies, praising the players for bouncing back from a heavy defeat in the series opener.
Taking to his social media platform 'X' following Pakistan's series-levelling triumph, Raja hailed the victory as a special effort and commended the side for regrouping within days to produce a match-winning performance.
"It feels surreal a test win!! Was a special effort after been flattened in the first test of a two test series to get the act together, within days, to strike form and win the 2nd one. Well done Pakistan," Raja wrote.
Pakistan entered the two-match Test series under new leadership after Babar Azam replaced experienced batter Shan Masood as captain. However, the visitors endured a disappointing start, suffering a 90-run defeat in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba last month.
The Green Shirts responded emphatically in the second Test, securing an eight-wicket victory to level the series 1-1. The win also ended Pakistan's wait for an away Test victory, with their previous success on foreign soil coming in July 2023.
After electing to bat first, the West Indies posted 344 all out in their first innings, with captain Roston Chase and all-rounder Justin Greaves both scoring valuable half-centuries.
Pakistan replied with 387 all out to take a 43-run first-innings lead, thanks largely to Abdullah Shafique's magnificent 160 and a composed half-century from captain Babar.
Trailing by 43 runs, the West Indies batting line-up collapsed in the second innings and were dismissed for just 117 in 46.1 overs, leaving Pakistan a modest target of 75.
Spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman led Pakistan's bowling attack with four wickets apiece, while pacer Mohammad Ali claimed one wicket.
Pakistan completed the chase with the loss of only two wickets. Shafique and Babar guided the visitors home with an unbroken 33-run stand for the third wicket, with both batters finishing unbeaten on 24.
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