Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique grabbed the spotlight on the second day of the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain with a superb unbeaten century.
After spending nearly 10 months out of Pakistan's Test playing XI, Shafique made his return count by scoring the fifth Test hundred of his career and putting Pakistan in a commanding position.
Interestingly, the innings carried an added significance, as it was the first Test century of his career while batting at No. 3.
First Test Hundred at No. 3
Abdullah Shafique remained unbeaten on 107, an innings that included 10 boundaries and two sixes. While it was his fifth century in Test cricket, it was also the first time he reached the three-figure mark after being promoted to the No. 3 position.
The knock came at a crucial stage of the match and helped Pakistan recover strongly after the early loss of two wickets.
Why Does Babar Azam Call Him 'Kitabi'?
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has reportedly nicknamed Abdullah Shafique "Kitabi" (bookish), a reference to his technically sound batting style.
According to former West Indies cricketer and commentator Ian Bishop, the nickname reflects the fact that Abdullah's batting is textbook in nature, with classical stroke play and solid technique rather than flashy shot-making.
Unbeaten Partnership Puts Pakistan on Top
Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam stitched together an unbroken 168-run partnership for the third wicket to take Pakistan into a strong position.
At stumps on Day 2:
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Abdullah Shafique was unbeaten on 107
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Babar Azam remained not out on 86
Their stand helped Pakistan finish the day at 266/2, responding strongly to the West Indies' first-innings total.
West Indies Post 344, Sajid Khan Stars With the Ball
Earlier, the West Indies were bowled out for 344, their highest first-innings total against Pakistan at home since 2005.
Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 85 runs. It was also the best first-innings bowling figures by a Pakistan spinner against the West Indies in a Test since 2011.
Pakistan Eye Series-Levelling Win
With two well-set batters at the crease and plenty of wickets in hand, Pakistan will look to build a substantial first-innings lead on Day 3.
The visitors trail 1-0 in the two-match series, and a victory in Port of Spain would help them level the series. Thanks to Abdullah Shafique's composed century and his crucial partnership with Babar Azam, Pakistan has placed itself in a strong position heading into the remainder of the Test.
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