Key points
- Pakistan struggled with batting, especially during powerplay overs
- Death bowling remains a concern
- West Indies chased 134, winning on final delivery
- Series level at 1-1
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, remained upbeat ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in September, despite his side’s narrow two-wicket defeat to the West Indies in the second T20I. The loss, which came on Sunday at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, levelled the three-match series at 1-1.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Agha Salman reflected on the team’s overall performance and acknowledged their shortcomings with the bat.
“In this game, we didn’t bat well during the powerplay and couldn’t finish as we would have liked. But we bowled and fielded well,” Agha remarked.
The all-rounder also highlighted areas where the team still needs improvement—particularly death bowling—and lauded the contributions of the spinners in the lead-up to the Asia Cup.
Room for improvement
“There’s always room for improvement – our death bowling could certainly be better. A total of 130 was never quite enough, but the team fought hard. The way our spinners performed in both matches gives me confidence heading into the Asia Cup. Our fans always turn up in large numbers and support us, no matter where we play,” he added.
It is worth noting that the West Indies secured a thrilling last-over victory in the contest.
Chasing a modest target of 134, the hosts faced early setbacks. Mohammad Nawaz dismissed Alick Athanaze for two in the second over, before removing Jewel Andrew (12 off 10) in the fourth, leaving the West Indies at 26-2.
Nawaz struck again to remove captain Shai Hope (21 off 30), reducing the hosts to 53-4 by the 11th over. Saim Ayub then increased the pressure by dismissing Roston Chase (16), claiming his second wicket.
Romario Shepherd’s dismissal
With 36 runs needed from the final three overs, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd held their nerve. Holder capitalised on a loose over from Hasan Ali, swinging the momentum back in the home side’s favour.
Although Shaheen Afridi removed Shepherd (15 off 11) in the final over, Holder remained composed, striking a boundary off the last ball to seal the win and finish unbeaten on 16 from 10 deliveries.
Nawaz starred with the ball for Pakistan, returning impressive figures of 3-14 from his four overs. Saim Ayub contributed with 2-20, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Shaheen Afridi took one wicket apiece.
Slow start
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan made a poor start. Saim Ayub (7) and Sahibzada Farhan (3) were dismissed by Jason Holder, while Akeal Hosein accounted for Mohammad Haris (4), leaving Pakistan struggling at 21-3.
Fakhar Zaman (20) and Agha Salman attempted to steady the innings briefly before Gudakesh Motie broke the partnership. Salman anchored the innings with a composed 38 off 33 deliveries, forming a valuable 60-run stand with Hassan Nawaz, who provided late momentum with a brisk 40.
For those unaware, the series decider will be played at the same venue on 4 August.
