The West Indies cricket team emerged victorious in the second One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan, leveling the 3-match series at 1-1 and setting the stage for a thrilling series decider on August 12. The match, affected multiple times by rain, was ultimately decided under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, with the Caribbean side chasing down a revised target of 181 runs in 35 overs for the loss of five wickets.
Rain Disruptions and Revised Targets
Cricket fans witnessed a roller-coaster match that was heavily influenced by weather interruptions. Initially, the game was reduced to 40 overs per side due to early rain. Pakistan, batting first, managed to score 171 runs for 7 wickets in 37 overs before a third rain delay halted their innings.
Following the stoppage, match officials applied the DLS method to determine West Indies’ target. Based on calculations, Pakistan’s total was adjusted to a challenging yet achievable 181 runs from 35 overs.
West Indies’ Confident Chase
Despite losing a couple of early wickets, West Indies approached the chase with composure. Sherfane Rutherford anchored the innings with a solid 45 runs, while skipper Shai Hope contributed 32 runs to stabilize the batting. The standout performer was Roston Chase, whose fluent 49-run innings guided his team closer to victory.
The Caribbean side reached the target with five wickets in hand, underlining their ability to adapt under pressure in a rain-affected contest. This win ensured the series remained alive, with both teams locked at one win apiece.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Pakistan’s batting lineup faced difficulties in building partnerships, particularly after the early loss of key batsman Babar Azam, who was dismissed without scoring. The pressure intensified as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Here’s a breakdown of Pakistan’s innings:
- Saim Ayub: Scored 23 runs off 31 balls, providing a steady start before falling to the West Indies pacers.
- Babar Azam: Out for a duck, an unusual setback for Pakistan’s premier batsman.
- Abdullah Shafique: Made 26 runs from 40 deliveries, struggling to find the boundary regularly.
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain): Contributed 16 runs from 38 balls, unable to accelerate during the middle overs.
- Hussain Talat: Played an aggressive knock of 31 off 32 balls to inject some momentum.
- Salman Agha: Managed only 9 runs off 18 balls before being dismissed.
- Mohammad Nawaz: Scored 5 runs from 24 balls, failing to rotate the strike effectively.
- Hassan Nawaz: Hit 36 runs off 30 balls, including crucial boundaries towards the end.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Remained unbeaten on 11 off 7 balls, adding late runs to the total.
West Indies bowler Jayden Seales was the pick of the attack, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs in a tight spell that dismantled Pakistan’s middle order.
Toss and Captain’s Strategies
Before the match began, West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to field first. Explaining his decision, Hope cited humidity and weather conditions as key factors that could aid his bowlers early on.
“With the overcast conditions and moisture in the air, we felt it was the right call to bowl first. Our goal was to restrict Pakistan to a chaseable target,” said Hope.
Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan remained optimistic before the game, expressing confidence in his side’s young talent.
“The boys played exceptionally well in the first ODI. Nawaz has been outstanding for the past two years, and the inclusion of young players is a big plus for our team,” Rizwan said.
Pakistan made three changes for the second ODI:
- Hasan Ali, Mohammad Haris, and Mohammad Nawaz came into the side.
- Faheem Ashraf, Sufyan Muqeem, and Naseem Shah were rested.
The DLS Method’s Role in Rain-Affected Matches
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method is a mathematical system used to calculate revised targets in limited-overs cricket when play is disrupted by weather. In this match, it played a decisive role, adjusting Pakistan’s score to set West Indies a chase of 181 runs in 35 overs. Such scenarios often require teams to quickly adapt their game plans, both in batting tempo and bowling strategies.
Series Context and What’s at Stake
The three-match series now stands evenly poised at 1-1, making the third and final ODI a virtual final. The deciding match on August 12 will determine whether Pakistan can clinch another home series victory or if the West Indies can pull off an away triumph.
For Pakistan, this series is part of their broader preparation for upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup fixtures, where consistency and middle-order stability remain key concerns. For the West Indies, a win would be a morale booster, especially after a series of mixed results in recent bilateral series.
Key Performers of the Match
West Indies
- Roston Chase – 49 runs, match-winning composure in the middle order.
- Sherfane Rutherford – 45 runs, aggressive yet controlled innings.
- Jayden Seales – 3 wickets for 23 runs, pivotal in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Pakistan
- Hassan Nawaz – 36 runs off 30 balls, provided late fireworks.
- Hussain Talat – Quick 31 runs to boost the innings.
- Shaheen Afridi – Unbeaten cameo and steady bowling despite defeat.
Post-Match Reactions
The victory brought relief to West Indies fans and the coaching staff. Captain Shai Hope praised his bowlers for executing plans well in challenging conditions and highlighted the importance of adapting to rain interruptions.
On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged that Pakistan fell short with the bat and needed to improve strike rotation in the middle overs.
Looking Ahead: The Decider
The third ODI on August 12 promises to be an intense contest, with both teams having plenty to play for. Pakistan will aim to correct its batting lapses, while the West Indies will look to carry forward their winning momentum. Weather conditions may once again play a role, making toss decisions and in-game adaptability crucial.
Cricket fans worldwide will be watching closely as the two teams battle for supremacy in this tightly contested series.
Final Scorecard Summary:
Pakistan – 171/7 in 37 overs (Hassan Nawaz 36, Hussain Talat 31; Jayden Seales 3/23)
West Indies – 182/5 in 34 overs (Roston Chase 49, Sherfane Rutherford 45, Shai Hope 32)
Result – West Indies won by 5 wickets (DLS method)
Series – Level 1-1, decider on August 12
