Pakistan rise in WTC standings after West Indies win

Port of Spain: Pakistan breathed new life into their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign after defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in the second and final Test, a victory that lifted them off the bottom of the standings and restored confidence under new captain Babar Azam.

The convincing win helped Pakistan move up to seventh place in the WTC table with a points percentage of 22.22, replacing the West Indies, who dropped to the bottom after another disappointing result. Pakistan have now won two of their six matches in the current championship cycle, while the Caribbean side have managed just two victories in 12 Tests.

At the top of the standings, Australia remain the dominant force with seven wins in eight matches and a remarkable winning percentage of 87.50. Defending champions South Africa occupy second place, followed by New Zealand, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan and West Indies.

Pakistan entered the Caribbean series under fresh leadership after Babar Azam replaced Shan Masood as Test captain. However, the new chapter began on a disappointing note as the visitors suffered a 90-run defeat in the opening Test at Tarouba.

The Green Shirts responded in style in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval with an impressive all-round performance. After electing to bat, the West Indies posted 344 thanks to fighting half-centuries from captain Roston Chase and Justin Greaves.

Pakistan answered with determination as opener Abdullah Shafique produced a magnificent unbeaten 160, anchoring the innings from start to finish. Captain Babar Azam added a composed half-century as Pakistan reached 387, taking a valuable first-innings lead of 43 runs.

The turning point came in the West Indies’ second innings when Pakistan’s spin duo completely dominated the hosts. Sajid Khan and Ali Usman claimed four wickets each to dismiss the West Indies for just 117, leaving Pakistan a modest target of 75.

Pakistan completed the chase comfortably with eight wickets to spare. Shafique and Babar remained unbeaten on 24 each, guiding their team to its first away Test victory since July 2023.

The morale-boosting triumph not only squared the two-match series 1-1 but also revived Pakistan’s hopes in the World Test Championship race. With Babar Azam’s captaincy beginning to take shape and key players delivering under pressure, Pakistan will now look to build momentum in the remainder of the WTC cycle.