Pakistan look to seal series (Preview)

First two matches of the series a followed more or less a same pattern. West Indies young batting line up having no clue how to tackle Pakistan spinners, lacking intent to go after them, playing a so many dot balls, failing to get big shots away and all these handicaps resulting in under par score.

And, in both matches Pakistan replies to easy targets were of similar mould, batsmen doing nothing fancy and making sure their march towards the total was without hiccups. If there were any, it came through the young and talented leg spinner Devendra Bishoo who, in both matches, removed Pakistan openers. Nothing came from other bowling though who lacked venom and penetration to dislodge Pakistan batsmen.

There is no denying the fact West Indies, after effecting wholesale changes post world cup debacle, have fielded an inexperienced bunch of players this series and are looking for young generation to resurrect fading state of cricket in Caribbean Islands.

The way home team has played so far was disheartening to say the least and have lacked fighting spirit and urge in both the games. They were bereft of ideas and technique to play spin bowlers, particularly, against Saeed Ajmal’s doosra; most of the batsmen have looked no more than those playing for club.

Star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is yet to contribute in either department and to make things worse skipper Darren Sammy has been no different. Both the senior players need to be inspiring and mentor young players in the team.

Other brought spot apart from Bishoo has been confidence and batting abilities of Lendl Simmons and same can’t be said of Marlon Samuels and co who have looked woefully out of shape and form. If home is hoping for a turnaround, they need to tighten their game and batsmen need to display some intent and aggression while facing Pakistan spinners not letting them to dominate.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have gone about their business without much of a fuss. Spin trio of Mohammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal and skipper Shahid Afridi have been doing a terrific job with the ball taking wickets and putting lid on a scoring rate. Top order has rounded off the targets both times without much damage and fielding hasn’t been bad either.

Both the openers Hafeez and young Ahmad Shehzad have been amongst the runs. What would please Pakistan team management the most Shehzad scoring a century after it had persisted with him despite a series of dismal performances.

Pakistan would be very keen and upbeat to win tomorrow’s game and seal take an unassailable 3-0 in the series. West Indies will be hoping that there is some bounce and pace in Barbados pitch unlike St. Lucia which was slow and not friendly for stroke making.

WEST INDIES

Andre Russell, Anthony Martin, Darren Bravo, Darren Sammy (c), Devendra Bishoo, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas (wk), Dwayne Bravo (vc), Kemar Roach, Kirk Edwards, Lendl Simmons, Marlon Samuels, Ravi Rampaul

PAKISTAN

Abdur Rehman Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Hammad Azam, Junaid Khan, Misbah-ul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Salman(wk), Sadaf Hussain, Saeed Ajmal Shahid Afridi (c) Tanvir Ahmed, Taufeeq Umar, Umar Akmal, Usman Salahuddin