Published: Oct 02, 2016, 12:12 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 02, 2016, 12:12 AM (IST)
Pakistan and West Indies meet for the second of the five One-Day International (ODI) series with Pakistan leading 1-0. West Indies have an uptill task in hand as nothing has clicked for them in this tour so far. After losing the Twenty20 (T20I) series 0-3, West Indies will like to get back in a format where they are ranked No. 8 in ICC ODI Rankings, yet one place ahead of Pakistan lying at No. 9. The second match will be played at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah. Pakistan will like to consolidate on their lead in the series while West Indies will seriously need to step up. Full Cricket Scorecard, Pakistan vs West Indies, 2nd ODI, Sharjah
As the hosts have already won the series opener, this is a must win match for the West Indies as a loss in the second ODI will end their challenge even before the final ODI of the series is played. So let’s take a look at the key battles, on which the result of the game will highly rely on
Sharjeel Khan vs Shannon Gabriel: Pakistan opener Sharjeel has been a valuable asset for the side with his aggressive batting at the top but has to play a long innings. Sharjeel did not have a great run in the T20I but played couple of good innings in the ODI series against England. If he succeeds at the top, Pakistan will certainly garner some quick runs with the new ball and find themselves in a comfortable position. Gabriel will surely put in the hard yards with the new ball and the contest between the two will the one to watch out for. There won’t be any half measures, Sharjeel will either get runs or walk back to the pavilion early.
Mohammed Aamer vs Johnson Charles: Though Aamer has made his comeback across formats, the player is yet to be as successful with wickets as he was expected to. Aamer’s bowling has been really commendable, the best part being his accuracy in line. There were many occasions when the bowler remained unlucky to not get a wicket. Playing more and more, the player is now again used to with the constant playing schedule and will do even better.
Johnson Charles on the other hand is someone with a lot of experience in the limited-overs format. The player has provided his side with strong start at instances and will be expected to execute a similar job this time as well. Charles has the tendency to step out, loves to play in the leg-side and can pull the ball hard. Aamer’s varied lengths can end his innings early on while short length balls will be hammered owing to the powerful pair of hands he has.
Shoaib Malik vs Sunil Narine: Pakistan’s veteran Malik had a decent run in the T20Is and will eye to make the most of his chances on the ODIs. Malik has been one of the pillars of strength for Pakistan in the middle-order and a good player of the spin. Narine, though has not been as effective as he used to be with his old action but still inspires enough confidence. Narine will look to scalp the key wicket of Malik and further give his side an advantage in the game.
Sarfraz Ahmed vs Carlos Brathwaite: Sarfraz has been the silent assailant in the Pakistani side. He has piled some crucial runs with his unorthodox style of play and put the opposition under pressure. He played exceptionally well in the ODI series in England and scored an unbeaten in the only game where he got a chance to bat in the T20I series against West Indies. Brathwaite on the other hand has gone for runs but at the same time has the ability to chip wickets with his canny variations.
Mohammad Nawaz vs Darren Bravo: Nawaz stunned everyone with his four wickets as he rattled through the West Indies middle order. He has the perfect combination of spin and bounce, and it was all very evident in the first ODI. On the other side, Bravo is the key to the visitor’s middle order. He came out to bat at No.3 in the first ODI, but given his capacity as a player, his batting tactics completely suit in somewhere at No.5. So if the top order fails, Bravo will have to take up the charge and lead his side out of misery.
