Watch: Babar Azam’s 1,097-Day Captaincy Comeback Ends in Disappointment as Pakistan Star Falls for 23 Against West Indies…

Babar Azam had waited nearly three years to lead Pakistan in Test cricket again. When the moment finally arrived, however, the comeback did not produce the batting performance the returning captain would have wanted.

Babar was dismissed for 23 off 38 balls on Day 2 of the first Test against the West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, bringing a frustrating end to his return to the Test captaincy.

The Pakistan star looked comfortable during his brief stay at the crease, striking three boundaries before his innings was cut short. He was caught behind off West Indies pacer Jayden Seales, with the dismissal ending a 41-run partnership with former Pakistan captain Shan Masood.

At stumps, Pakistan were 199/3 in 48 overs, still trailing the West Indies’ first-innings total of 311 by 112 runs. Masood remained unbeaten on 88, while Salman Ali Agha was yet to open his account.

Watch: Babar Azam falls for 23 on captaincy return

Babar’s return to the Test captaincy was one of the biggest talking points before the match.

The 31-year-old had last led Pakistan in Test cricket in July 2023. He was subsequently replaced by Shan Masood as the team’s Test captain, but the leadership baton has now been handed back to Babar.

That made his return at Tarouba particularly significant.

The right-hander appeared to be settling into his innings, hitting three boundaries and showing glimpses of his familiar batting rhythm. But just when he seemed ready to build a substantial score, Seales found the edge and Shai Hope completed the catch behind the stumps.

Watch Babar Azam’s dismissal: The Pakistan captain’s return ended with a 23-run knock, leaving fans waiting for another opportunity to see him convert a start into a major Test innings.

The dismissal also means Babar’s long wait for another Test century continues.

His last Test hundred came against New Zealand in Karachi, where he scored 161. Since then, the former Pakistan captain has been unable to reach three figures in the longest format.

Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq steady Pakistan

While Babar’s return with the bat ended early, Pakistan’s overall batting effort was strengthened by a crucial partnership between Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq.

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The pair added 155 runs for the second wicket, helping Pakistan recover after a disastrous start.

Pakistan opener Azan Awais was dismissed for a nine-ball duck by veteran West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach, leaving the visitors in early trouble.

But Imam and Masood responded with patience and aggression.

Imam eventually fell for 63 off 102 balls, hitting seven boundaries, while Masood continued his impressive innings and reached an unbeaten 88 from 137 deliveries, including 11 fours.

Masood’s knock has so far been the backbone of Pakistan’s reply, giving the visitors a strong platform heading into the next day’s play.

West Indies post 311 after strong performances from Hope and Hodge

Earlier, the West Indies were bowled out for 311 in their first innings.

Pakistan’s bowling attack fought back after the hosts had made a solid start, with Mohammad Ali emerging as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/50. Mohammad Abbas also impressed, claiming three wickets.

For the West Indies, Shai Hope top-scored with 92, while Kavem Hodge contributed 84. Their efforts helped the hosts put together a competitive first-innings total.

Pakistan’s bowlers had earlier kept the West Indies under pressure on a rain-affected opening day, with Abbas making early breakthroughs before Hodge and Hope helped rebuild the innings.

Babar’s captaincy return comes under the spotlight

Babar’s return to the Test captaincy comes at an important point in his career.

Few Pakistani cricketers attract as much attention as the former captain. His batting record has established him as one of the country’s leading modern players, but his recent struggles in Test cricket have also generated debate.

The captaincy comeback therefore brings another layer of pressure.

Babar is now expected to contribute not only as a batter but also as the leader of a team looking to make an impact on the West Indies tour.

His 23-run innings may not have been the comeback statement he had hoped for, but the match is far from over.

Pakistan still have a strong chance to reduce the deficit, with Masood firmly settled at the crease and the visitors having seven wickets in hand.

The big question: Can Babar make his next chance count?

For now, Babar Azam’s return to Test captaincy has produced mixed emotions.

The leadership comeback itself is a major moment, but his early dismissal means the spotlight will remain firmly on his batting.

At 23, he showed enough to suggest that he was seeing the ball well, but the inability to turn that start into a substantial score will inevitably fuel more discussion around his form.

With the Test still in progress, Babar will have another opportunity to make his presence felt — and Pakistan will hope their captain can respond when the next chance arrives.

For a player who has spent years carrying the expectations of an entire cricketing nation, the message is simple: the captaincy may be back, but the runs still need to follow.