Babar Azam run out for 88 vs West Indies

Just when Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan side, got closer to his century, the fans were excited and happy to see their star batter getting close to his century. But a funny run-out in a miscommunication saw him get dismissed for 88 runs during the second Test match against West Indies at the Port of Spain in Trinidad.

Babar has once again fallen short of a century as he has now gone 1300+ days without scoring a Test century. In this period, since Jan 2023, Harry Brook has smashed 10 centuries in the longest format while Shubman Gill has counted 11 centuries in the five-day format of the game.

Brandon King's direct hit ends Babar's century dream on 88

On the fifth delivery of the 75th over of the innings, there was a terrible mix-up between Babar and Abdullah Shafique as it brought the downfall of the former for 88 runs off 147 balls, thanks to 10 boundaries and one six.

Watch Babar Azam's run-out here-

It was a tossed-up delivery from Jomel Warrican to Azam, who pushed it towards the covers region and set off for a non-existent single. Shafique sent him back, but Azam was almost midway down the track. He turned back and put in a desperate dive.

However, the dive wasn’t enough to save him from the direct hit of Brandon King, as he was short of the crease. It was a vital breakthrough for the Caribbean side, as Babar’s century drought continued.

Babar's 88 anchors Pakistan's fightback after West Indies' 344

West Indies batted first and posted 344 runs in their first innings, thanks to the 96-run sixth-wicket partnership between Justin Greaves and Roston Chase. The former smashed 73 runs off 150 balls, shouldering nine boundaries, while the West Indies captain nailed 70 runs, thanks to 11 boundaries.

Shafique, who celebrated a fine unbeaten knock of 160 runs in 323 balls with the help of 15 boundaries and three sixes, put up an 183-run third-wicket stand with Babar, who dashed 88 runs. Pakistan got a small lead of 43 runs as Warrican ended with figures of 6/112.

West Indies batted second and made their way to 27 runs for the loss of no wicket. They hoped to get a good lead and set the target for the fourth innings for the Pakistan side.

Brief Scores: West Indies 344 (Justin Greaves 73, Sajid Khan 4/85) & 50/1 (Kavem Hodge 23*, Sajid Khan 1/9) lead Pakistan 387 (Abdullah Shafique 160*, Jomel Warrican 6/112) by 8 runs.