TRINIDAD: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed confidence that his bowlers will deliver an improved performance in the series decider against the West Indies, after a lacklustre display in the second ODI at the Brian Lara Stadium allowed the hosts to level the three-match series.
The West Indies levelled the three-match series 1-1 on Sunday, chasing down a revised target of 181 in a rain-affected match with seven wickets in hand.
Roston Chase and Justin Greaves guided the hosts to victory with an unbeaten 77-run stand, taking advantage of Pakistan’s part-time bowlers.
Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, who shared the fifth bowling option, each conceded 33 runs from their spells, allowing the West Indies to take control in the middle overs.
Skipper Rizwan, however, defended the duo’s abilities, noting their past contributions.
“You could say our fifth bowler gave away too many runs today, but in recent years, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub have both bowled well for us,” Rizwan said after the match.
“Saim didn’t have the best day, but he performed well in the T20Is. That’s just part of the game.”
The Pakistan skipper said team selection for Tuesday’s decider would depend on the weather and pitch conditions.
“The weather forecast has been completely different from expectations, and it’s hard to read. We’re keeping our options open and will finalise the XI after assessing the conditions,” he added.
The victory was the West Indies’ first over Pakistan in more than six years, their last win coming in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Nottingham.
The Caribbean side, which failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in India, is focused on rebuilding for the 2027 edition.
West Indies coach Daren Sammy has said the series against Pakistan is part of their preparation for the next 50-over World Cup.
Skipper Shai Hope praised his side’s adaptability and teamwork in the win.
“We always speak about partnerships and we just want to get better in every area, so I am happy with the win today,” Hope said.
“It was great to see our guys adapt in the middle overs. Credit to Chase and Greaves for finishing the job, and also to Sherfane Rutherford for giving us impetus earlier.”
The third ODI will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium today.
