WI vs PAK : Babar Azam’s century hopes end after Brandon King’s stunning direct hit in 2nd Test

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Babar Azam suffered one of the most heartbreaking dismissals of his Test career on Day 3 of the second Test between West Indies and Pakistan at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. The Pakistan captain looked well on course to end his lengthy wait for a Test century after resuming the day unbeaten on 86, but a moment of miscommunication in the middle brought his innings to an abrupt end.

The experienced batter was batting with great composure and had played one of his finest Test knocks in recent times before Brandon King’s brilliant fielding effort denied him a deserved hundred. The dramatic run-out quickly went viral on social media, leaving fans and teammates stunned.

The incident took place during the 75th over of Pakistan’s innings against left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Babar gently pushed the ball towards the cover region and immediately called for a quick single. However, his batting partner Abdullah Shafique, who had already reached his century, quickly sent him back after realizing the run was never on. By then, Babar had crossed well beyond the halfway mark and had little chance of making his ground. King charged in from cover, collected the ball cleanly, and produced a sensational direct hit at the striker’s end.

Despite putting in a desperate full-length dive, Babar was comfortably short of his crease when the bails were dislodged. As the decision went upstairs, the Pakistan skipper remained seated on the pitch with his head down, fully aware that his innings had come to a painful end. The third umpire merely confirmed what everyone already knew, bringing the classy knock to a close on 88.

Babar Azam’s wait for a Test century continues.

Today he looked destined to end a drought that’s lasted since 2022 vs New Zealand.

An innings full of class, elegance and intent. 88 runs of pure world class Babar.

But cricket can be cruel. A suicidal single and he’s run out,…

— Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh Areeb Cricket World (@areeb_7official) August 4, 2026

Also READ: Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 160 keeps Pakistan alive as spinners leave West Indies in trouble on Day 3 of second Test

Although the dismissal ended in disappointment, Babar produced an innings that showcased his class under pressure. The right-hander struck 88 runs from 147 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and one six while anchoring Pakistan’s innings after the visitors had fallen behind in the match.

He also stitched together a crucial 168-run partnership for the third wicket with Shafique, helping Pakistan recover from a difficult position. Babar reached his half-century in just 67 balls and looked increasingly comfortable against both pace and spin before the unfortunate mix-up ended his stay.

The run-out means Babar’s wait for a Test century continues, with his last three-figure score in the format still dating back to December 2022 against New Zealand. Despite another impressive start, the milestone once again slipped away. Pakistan will now hope the platform created by Babar and Shafique allows them to build a substantial lead as they attempt to bounce back from their defeat in the series opener and level the two-match series.

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