Published: Oct 04, 2016, 11:56 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 05, 2016, 08:43 AM (IST)
Pakistan takes on West Indies in the third and the final One-Day International (ODI) of the series which is more of a formality of the tournament at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The hosts have already won the series as they defeated West Indies in the second ODI by 59 runs. This fixture is kind of a contrasting one from the both the teams perspective wherein the hosts will look to go all out for a second white-wash on this tournament, the first being in the Twent20 series, while the visitors have their pride at stake as they are yet to win even a single match since the time they have landed in UAE.
With both teams having these two different motives in the upcoming clash, here are some of the Kye battles that are most likely to be witnessed in the final ODI of the series.
Sharjeel Khan vs Alzarri Joseph – Alzarri’s inclusion instead of Shanon Gabriel in the second ODI did not yield anything good for the visitors as the youngster leaked runs in his 10 overs. He conceded 62 runs and got just two wickets. But with nothing to lose for the visitors, they should probably go with the youngster once again as he needs a longer run of international 50 overs matches. He had a tough time against Sharjeel Khan but he eventually got his wicket which was also his maiden wicket. But it is very likely that Sharjeel will once again go for some big shots early into the game as he is famous for the same. While on the other hand, the youngster will have a big task to stop the Pakistani opener for cutting lose at any cost.
Rummann Raees vs Johnson Charles – With the news that Mohammad Aamer went back to Pakistan to see his ailing mother will open the gates for Rummann Raees to make his ODI debut for Pakistan. The left-arm fast bowler had shown some classy performances in the domestic cricket and was selected on the same basis. READ: Pakistan vs West Indies: Mickey Arthur wants hosts to break into top 4 in ODI rankings
Johnson Charles has failed miserably in front of the Pakistan pacer attack and with the opportunity of facing a debutant in the opening overs should serve him as one of the best opportunity to bask in form once again and put some valuable runs on board early in the game.
Sulieman Benn vs Shoaib Malik – This was one of the best battles that were witnessed in the second ODI. Malik looked in his classic touch as he scored 90 runs. He had come early to the crease after the early dismissals of their opening pair. After building the innings quietly with Babar Azam, Malik just shot off when he Benn was got into the attack. It was during Benn’s spell that Malik went on to hit three consecutive sixes, out of which the second damaged the Sharjah stadiums boarding while the third one went out of the park. Benn dealt with a lot of blow in the second match and going by his bowling standards, he will definitely be eager to settle scores with the veteran Pakistani batsman. READ: Pakistan selectors give Mohammad Hafeez chance to prove his fitness
Babar Azam vs Carlos Brathwaite – Babar Azam has been in phenomenal form in this ODI series as he has scored two consecutive centuries so far on a trot. He has looked comfortable against every bowler from the visitors camp. Brathwaite on the other hand as lacked his original form and he will have to make sure that they end this series on a high, for which he will have to push himself to the best of his abilities.
With Babar doing what he is best known for, it is high time that Brathwaite too implies himself and make sure that they get the prolific batsman out as soon as they can
Sarfraz Ahmed vs Sunil Narine – Sarfraz Ahmed holds the key to Pakistan’s middle order batting. He was the one who made sure that the hosts reached a total of 300 plus in the second ODI as he displayed some beautiful shots produced from his bat towards the end of the innings. Whereas, Narine hasn’t been effective at all in the series so far, so he should take the final ODI as a good opportunity and get some valuable wickets and end his wicket-less draught
