A Babar Azam half-century followed by an economical spell from Mohammad Hafeez ensured Pakistan a seven-wicket win over West Indies in the second T20I yesterday.
In overcast conditions and scattered drizzles at the National Stadium, Providence, the handful of fully vaccinated spectators witnessed West Indies’ captain, Kieron Pollard winning the toss and inserting the visitors.
Despite a blossoming start, a late collapse saw Pakistan reach 157 for eight from their allotted overs but that was enough as West Indies were contained to 150 for four by the time their overs expired.
A subdued first over was compensated for by Sharjeel Khan who flicked a full length delivery through backward point off of Jason Holder who was also pulled through mid-wicket by Mohammad Rizwan.
Left-arm spinner, Akeal Hosein, was hoisted over mid-on for a flat six and then struck over long off for the same result as the opening partnership added 46 from 29 balls. Khan, who was dropped on 13 by Pollard, who leapt high in the air in a one-handed attempt, but who only managed to injure his hand in the process.
Holder switched ends soon after and got the breakthrough with Hosein taking a simple catch at mid-on to dismiss Khan for 20 after he had smashed a delivery from the fast bowler into the advertising board at mid-wicket for a boundary.
Azam joined Rizwan at the crease and the pair added 67 runs for the second wicket with Rizwan playing the supporting role before he was run out for a 36-ball 46. Pakistan then motored to 130 for two before rain came and delayed the match by five minutes. However, the stoppage worked in West Indies’ favour as Azam feathered a catch to Nicholas Pooran behind the stumps off of Holder to depart for 51. His 40-ball innings featured four fours and two sixes.
Holder then found his groove to end with 4-26 after sitting on a hat trick when local boy, Romario Shepherd pulled off a stunning one-handed catch over mid-wicket to dismiss Shoaib Maqsood.
Holder was complemented by Dwayne Bravo who returned 2-24 to see Pakistan lose five wickets for just 12 runs towards the end of their innings.
In the chase Hafeez gave Pakistan a dream start with four overs for just six runs. He also removed Andre Fletcher off the second ball of the chase for good measure.
Evin Lewis continued his purple patch as he raced to 35 before retiring due to cramps. Shimron Hetmyer (17) and Chris Gayle (16) failed to convert their starts as West Indies slipped to 76 for three.
Pollard and Pooran kept the hosts in the contest with a 64-run partnership from 32 balls before Pollard was dismissed for 13.
Pooran carried on but was left stranded on 62 not out from 33 balls with his innings featuring six sixes and four fours.
