PRELUDE
The WI came into this match riding a wave of confidence after their Dutch delight against the Netherlands. A 3-0 series sweep gave the Men in Maroon the perfect start to new skipper Pooran’s reign. In Pakistan, however, this new-look Caribbean outfit faced a decidedly more experienced and accomplished opponent. Just a few short weeks ago the Pakistanis repelled a badly Covid-hit Australia 2-1 at home. The replacements from Down Under still represented a greater challenge than the WI faced whilst tip-toeing through the tulips. History has proven beyond any doubt that if you want unpredictability, call up WI and Pakistan. At their mercurial bests, both teams are capable of equal parts brilliance, belligerence, and bravado. Their supporters know only too well, though, that each has perfected the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
WI BATTERS THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET
With a batting line-up bolstered by the returning Powell and Shepherd, Pooran took first strike on winning the toss. Afridi was quickly into his stride, getting Mayers out in just the 3rd over. Brooks and Hope, both recent centurions, joined forces to keep the hosts wicketless for the next 28 overs. Their partnership produced 154 runs off 169 deliveries until a superb diving one-handed catch from Shadab separated them. The WI skipper, after a paltry batting effort vs the Netherlands, came in looking to rediscover his form. Consecutive sixes in the 35th off Nawaz and then one off Rauf set him well on his way. He would chance his arm once too often though and perished in that same Rauf over caught on the boundary. Powell (32) and Shepherd (25) continued the momentum after Hope’s 127 to take the WI to a total of 305-8.
BABAR LEADS FROM THE FRONT
A chase in excess of 300 is never an easy ask, even on a pitch that still seemed batter friendly. The WI bowling unit needed early inroads into the host’s batting order and young Seales obliged, getting Zaman for 11. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and in strode Babar Azam at number 3. Unlike his opposing number, Pakistan’s captain was enjoying a rich vein of form, notching centuries in his previous 2 innings. In tandem with Imam ul Haq, he put on 103 off 111 deliveries before Imam fell to Hosein for 65. With Rizwan as his next partner, the scoring rate increased as the pair racked up 108 runs off 100 balls. Babar’s dismissal for 103, quickly followed by Rizwan (59) gave the WI a late shot at victory. A blistering 41 off 23 balls from Kushdil Shah would dash their brief hopes, securing Pakistan’s 5 wicket triumph.
EPILOGUE – HOSTS TOO HOT TO HANDLE
The WI are clearly rebuilding after the era of Pollard, Bravo, and company, with fresh faces aplenty. The talent is undoubtedly obvious, but it will take more than a sweep against 14th ranked Netherlands to develop champions. Pakistan proved that their skill in all areas surpassed the best the WI could offer on the day. His 4th 100-plus score from the last 5 innings, also gave Babar a hattrick of centuries for the second time in his career. On a day when both bowling units wilted under the scorching Multan sun, Shadab was the exception. His 1-37 off 10 overs made him the only bowler with an economy rate under 4. In comparison, WI leggie Walsh jr. went for 39 runs in just 5 overs. The gap in quality between the two seems as vast as the physical distance between both territories. In a mere 2 days, the WI need to either rebound sharply or risk getting outclassed yet again.
