At stumps, Pakistan were 266 for two in reply to the West Indies’ first-innings total of 344, trailing by 78 runs with eight wickets still in hand.

The visitors were well placed thanks to an unbroken 168-run partnership for the third wicket between Abdullah and Babar, who wrested control of the match after Pakistan lost their second wicket at 98.

Resuming the day on 239 for five, the West Indies added 105 runs before being bowled out for 344.

Justin Greaves, who resumed on his overnight score, made 73, while Roston Chase contributed 70.

Pakistan made early inroads in the morning session when Ali Usman dismissed Greaves, whose leading edge was safely caught by debutant Awais Zafar.

Fast bowler Ubaid Shah then struck with the first ball of the day to remove Chase before the remaining wickets fell steadily.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets for 85 runs, while Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah and Ali Usman chipped in with two wickets each.

Pakistan’s reply began positively despite the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq for 14.

Opener Azan Awais kept the scoreboard moving with an aggressive 55 off 71 deliveries, hitting 10 boundaries before becoming the second wicket to fall.

After Azan Awais’s departure, Abdullah and Babar settled in and steadily built Pakistan’s innings with a mixture of disciplined defence and attacking strokeplay.

Abdullah brought up his sixth Test century — and first since 2024 — off 173 deliveries.

The right-hander remained unbeaten on 107 at the close, having struck 10 fours and two sixes during his 185-ball stay at the crease.

At the other end, Babar continued his fine form, reaching his half-century from just 67 balls.

The Pakistan skipper ended the day unbeaten on 86 from 126 deliveries, laced with 10 fours and a six, and is just 14 runs away from his 10th Test century.

With two well-set batters at the crease, Pakistan look to erase the deficit and build a substantial lead when play resumes on day three.