Babar Azam run out for 88, denied Test century at Queen's Park Oval

Babar Azam was left dejected after being run out for 88 on Day 3 of the second Test at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad on August 4, 2026, a dismissal that ended his bid for a long-awaited Test hundred.

Resuming the day on 86 with Pakistan trailing by 78 runs and eight wickets in hand, Babar looked set to break a drought that has stretched 1,317 days since his last Test century in 2022 against New Zealand. Pakistan were seeking to level the two-match series after losing the opening Test, and Babar had returned to the crease following a fighting half-century in the second innings of that opener, which nevertheless ended in defeat for his side.

The decisive moment came in the 75th over against Jomel Warrican when Babar pushed a delivery toward the covers and immediately called for a single that was not available. Abdullah Shafique, batting at the non-striker's end after completing his century, reacted quickly and sent Babar back; by the time the batsman was halfway down the pitch he had little chance of making his ground. A desperate dive could not prevent Brandon King's direct hit from finding the stumps, and the umpires referred the decision to the third umpire.

Babar sat on the pitch with his head down as the review was processed and eventually walked slowly back to the pavilion when the run out was confirmed. The third umpire referral was treated as a formality given the clear nature of the hit.

His innings combined measured scoring and fluent strokeplay: Babar reached his fifty in 67 balls, struck crisp drives through the off side, used his wrists effectively against the seamers and handled the spinners with confidence. He finished on 88 from 147 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and one six, and put Pakistan into a strong position alongside Abdullah Shafique during his stay at the crease.

"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, pic.twitter.com/gdQ7rITqy6— Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh Areeb Cricket World (@areeb_7official) August 4, 2026"

Pakistan will now look to build on the platform provided by Babar and Shafique in order to post a sizeable lead and keep the contest alive as the second Test moves into its final stages.