DUBLIN: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted his side faces a dilemma over the fifth bowling option ahead of Tuesday’s one-day international series decider against the West Indies, following their defeat in the second match on Sunday.
Pakistan, who won the opening ODI by five wickets, posted 171-7 in 37 overs in a rain-affected second match at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground.
However, the West Indies chased down the target with five wickets in hand to level the three-match series 1-1.
The part-time bowling duo of Saim Ayub and Salman Agha proved expensive, conceding a combined 66 runs in seven wicketless overs.
The lack of a reliable fifth bowler was evident as West Indies eased to victory.
“You could say our fifth bowler gave away too many runs, but in recent years, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub have both bowled well for us,” Rizwan told reporters after the match.
“Saim didn’t have the best day today, but he performed well in the T20Is. That’s just part of the game.”
Rizwan acknowledged that misreading the conditions and frequent rain interruptions hampered Pakistan’s plans.
“Honestly, the weather forecast has been completely different from expectations, and it’s hard to read. We’ll have to factor that in during the last game,” he said.
“We’re keeping our options open and will finalise the XI after assessing the conditions.”
The deciding third ODI will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.
