MULTAN, June 12: Pakistan’s top order collapsed despite an 85-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq during the 3rd ODI against the West Indies, here on Sunday.
It thrust significant responsibility on the middle order, with Shadab Khan stepping up to the mark, as his 78-ball 86 helped Pakistan to a defensible 269.
West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran was the surprise architect of the hosts’ middle-order collapse, getting significant spin and bounce as his first four ODI wickets left Pakistan tottering at 117 for 5.
The game was also suspended by an unexpected dust storm on a hot day in Multan, leading two overs being sliced off the contest.
Pakistan chose to bat first, with a more cautious Zaman prioritising time at the crease over his trademark truculence. The first third of the innings was spent with the two turning the strike over and minimising risk, and aside from an early drop from Shai Hope that reprieved Imam, the openers looked fairly comfortable.
Pooran, who had before Sunday bowled just three balls in ODI cricket, brought himself on, and in his third over, yorked Fakhar to provide his side the breakthrough. Following that, Hayden Walsh Jr trapped Babar Azam in front, with a successful West Indian review sending him back for 1.
Three further quickfire strikes from Pooran – including two in three balls – dismissed Imam, Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Rizwan, as Pakistan suddenly looked vulnerable to being bowled out early.
But Shadab and Khushdil Shah strung together an 84-run partnership, coming either side of a dust storm that briefly reduced visibility at the ground to almost none.
When the players returned, the sixth-wicket pair upped the tempo, and though Khushdil never quite moved into top gear as he is so lethally capable of, it was Shadab who was having the more telling impact on the innings.
And when Akeal Hosein breached Khushdil’s defences, the responsibility on Shadab only rose; and so did he to the occasion.
He brought up his half-century the following over, shepherding the strike with the responsibility of a frontline batter and the artistry of a modern death-overs game management specialist. Shadab found regular boundaries, and for a brief time, might have entertained thoughts of a maiden international hundred before a perfect yorker breached his defence as he tried to lap it over fine leg.
However, by then he had 86. (Agencies)
