by: Atif Amin Sports reporter TN media News.
Pakistan took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series by winning the 2nd ODI by 120 runs. Batting first Pakistan put 275/8 on board on a sluggish Multan deck which offered plenty of assistance to the spinners. In reply, West Indies were bowled out for 155 in 32.2 overs.
Captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bat first. Pakistan’s innings can be divided into two halves as after the early loss of Fakhar of Imam and Babar once again combined for another century stand. Both shared a partnership of 120 runs without being troubled. At 145/1 in the 28th over it seemed another 300 plus total is on the cards. However, as unpredictable as the Pakistan team you never know what is going to come. There was a mini-collapse and Pakistan was reduced to 5/194 then 6/207 and 7/230 and it seemed that Pakistan will be bowled out for less than 250 even. However, some late blows by Waseem Jr and Shaheen Shah Afridi lifted Pakistan to 275/8.
Khushdil Shah, the hero of the win the other day struggled for fluency and scored 22 off 33 balls. Babar top-scored with 77. Imam scored his 6th consecutive 50-plus score and was run out for 72. For West Indies, Akeal Hosein was the pick of the bowlers with 3/52. Alzari Josph picked up 2 wickets conceding only 33 runs.
Chasing the target West Indies lost the centurion in the first ODI Shai Hope in the first over. Shamarah Brooks and Kyle Mayers took the attack to Pakistan bowlers and took the score to 71 in the first power play. Mayers was bowled by Waseem Jr on the last ball of the power play. However, the introduction of spin after the power play changed the whole complexion of the game as Muhammad Nawaz proved to be unplayable and picked up 4 wickets for only 19 runs in his 10 overs. He was unlucky not to have a five-wicket haul. Shadab also chipped in with 2 wickets and Waseem Jr picked up 3 wickets. For West Indies Shamarah Brooks top scored with 42.
Muhammad Nawaz was declared man of the match for his economic spell. The 3rd ODI will be played in Multan on Sunday.
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Brief Match Score:
Pakistan 275/8 ( Babar Azam 77, Imam 72, Akeal Hosein 3/52, Alzari Jopseph2/33, Anderson Phillips 2/50)
Pakistan 306/5 (Shamarah Brooks 42, Nawaz 4/19, Wasem Jr. 3/34, Shadab Khan 2/40)
Match Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
