Pakistan’s newly reinstated Test captain Babar Azam marked his return in style with a century during a four-day warm-up match against the West Indies Select XI at the Brian Lara Stadium. The match is part of Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies, which begins later this week in Trinidad.

Babar came to the crease with Pakistan well placed at 147/2 after former Test captain Shan Masood had laid a solid platform with 70 runs from 100 balls.

Resuming Day 2 on 14 from 44 deliveries, Babar had to work hard for his runs. The West Indies Select XI bowlers kept things tight, especially with their spin attack and attacking field placements, making scoring difficult in the early stages.

The Pakistan skipper gradually settled in and built an important partnership with young opener Azan Awais. Babar reached his half-century in 83 balls after striking four boundaries in a single over against Ryan Bandoo. At the other end, Awais also impressed with a patient hundred, bringing up his century off 241 balls before retiring.

Babar continued to bat confidently and reached his century from 151 deliveries in the 97th over. His innings included one six, which came against left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.

Pakistan’s strong batting display continued after Babar retired out. Abdullah Fazal added a steady 50 from 97 balls, while Salman Ali Agha played a brisk knock of 46 off 60 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes before falling to Bandoo. The same bowler later dismissed Aamer Jamal as well.

Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 44 from 103 balls as Pakistan finished Day 2 on 455/4 after 136.5 overs. With plenty of batting still left, Pakistan are expected to continue for another session before declaring their innings.

For the West Indies Select XI, Ryan Bandoo was the standout bowler with two wickets, while the rest of the attack struggled to make breakthroughs.

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The two-match Test series between West Indies and Pakistan will begin on July 25 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The second Test is scheduled to start on August 2 at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

Pakistan head into the series at the bottom of the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings. They have collected only four points after receiving an eight-point penalty for a slow over-rate and have managed just one win in four Tests this cycle. They also suffered a 2-0 series defeat against Bangladesh.

West Indies are eighth in the standings with 18 points. They have won one, drawn two and lost seven of their 10 Tests in the current World Test Championship cycle.