Pakistan’s batting lineup, humbled in the first Test just days earlier, responded emphatically on day two in Trinidad. Abdullah Shafique, a late arrival as an emergency replacement, struck his sixth Test century, while Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 86, guiding the visitors to 266-2 in reply to West Indies’ 344. Main Developments Shafique, who flew in after Shan Masood’s finger injury, ended the day on 107 from 185 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes. His unbroken third-wicket partnership with Babar, worth 168 runs, came after opener Azan Awais had fallen for a brisk 55. Babar, the only bright spot in Pakistan’s disastrous second innings of the first Test, faced 126 deliveries and hit 10 fours and a six. His calm presence helped Shafique stay focused, and the pair’s stand highlighted a stark turnaround from the 71 for nine collapse that sealed a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium. Read also: Why Auqib Nabi's India call-up is a historic first West Indies had extended their first innings by 109 runs in the morning, with Justin Greaves and Roston Chase adding 96 for the sixth wicket. The breakthrough came after the second new ball was taken, with Greaves falling for 73 and Chase for 70, before Sajid Khan claimed the last three wickets to finish with 4-85. Background Shafique’s recall came after he lost his place following the South Africa series at home last October. He had been scoring heavily in domestic cricket, and his return to the side, batting at number three, was his first opportunity in that unfamiliar position. The first Test, played a few miles away, ended in a 90-run defeat for Pakistan, with their batting collapsing to 120 all out in the final innings. Babar, who has faced criticism for his passive leadership, was the only player to show resistance, finishing unbeaten on 58. West Indies were hampered by the unavailability of Greaves, who had been the match-winner in the first Test but was sidelined with a leg injury. Captain Chase, struggling with a lacerated finger, was ineffective with his off-spin, easing Pakistan’s task. Why It Matters Pakistan’s response restores balance to the series and gives their batting lineup a much-needed confidence boost. The partnership between Shafique and Babar addresses the fragility that had plagued the top order in recent Tests, and the team’s ability to capitalize on favorable conditions could prove decisive. For Babar, the innings offers a chance to silence critics of his captaincy, while Shafique’s century strengthens his case for a permanent spot in the side. West Indies, missing key bowlers, now face the challenge of bowling out a resurgent Pakistan on a pitch that has offered little assistance. What's Next The visitors will look to build on their strong position on day three, with Babar eyeing his century and Shafique aiming to convert his hundred into a big score. West Indies’ bowlers, led by the returning Kemar Roach, need early wickets to prevent Pakistan from taking a commanding first-innings lead. Pakistan’s batting coach, Asad Shafique, praised the partnership, noting it was what the team had been missing in recent matches. Whether the middle order can maintain the momentum remains an open question, but the platform for a series-leveling performance is set.