A great effort by the Windies in the second T20I against Pakistan as they almost came close to chasing down the stiff target of 172 set by the hosts. The margin of 9 runs seemed too many at the end as the Windies now have only the privilege of evading a white-wash. The 3rd and final T20I between the sides are set to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi, this Thursday.
It was once again the in-form wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan who lead from the front and the attacking batsman Haider Ali, who was awarded the MOM in the first encounter, once again played a valuable cameo of 31 runs.
The Windies will feel rather relieved with their performance as their batsman managed to get starts and Brandon King made heads turn with his brilliant knock of 67 off 43 balls. The exclusion of Hayden Walsh seemed like a strange decision in the 1st T20I and the management was quick to realize the flaw.
Great fight by the boys and late hitting effort by Romario Shepherd in the end despite falling short.#PAKvWI #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/iHctg0JQOx
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) December 14, 2021
The West Indies did make a statement that they would not be going down without a fight and the youngsters will be coming out all guns blazing to save their team from an embarrassing white-wash. Can the Windies get the momentum towards their side just in time for the ODI series? Or will Pakistan continue their domination?
Match Toss Time: 17:30 Local (12:30 GMT)
Match Start Time: 18:00 Local (01:00 GMT)
Match Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Head to Head
Matches played: 17, Pakistan: 14, West Indies: 3
Highest run-getter in this fixture: Babar Azam (461 runs)
Highest wicket-taker in this fixture: Shadab Khan (18 wickets)
Weather conditions and pitch
Team News
With the series now sealed in favor of the hosts, we are likely to see the youngsters get an opportunity to showcase their flair. The speedster, Shaheen Afridi, who has been having a hectic schedule is likely to be rested and Mohammad Hasnain is expected to take his place. With Fakhar Zaman struggling with his form, the 26-year old Khushdil Shah could be given an opportunity.
The visitors will be happy with their performance in the last encounter and they are likely to roll out the same combination for this dead rubber.
Probable Playing Xl
Pakistan (PAK): Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman/ Khushdil Shah, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi/ Mohammad Hasnain
West Indies (WI): Shamarh Brooks, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Devon Thomas, Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Dominic Drakes, Oshane Thomas
Must-Picks
Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan looks to be in the form of his life and he is once again in our must-picks. All-rounder Shadab Khan has been in great form with the ball and he is also expected to pile on the fantasy points.
West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd and Windies skipper and wicket-keeper Nicholas Pooran are our two other must-picks for the 3rd T20I between the sides.
Player of the match @76Shadabkhan #PAKvWI #HumTouKhelainGey pic.twitter.com/JnHGSicTmD
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 14, 2021
PAK vs WI fantasy team
Captain and Vice-captain picks
Prediction
This definitely would not be an easy outing for the hosts as West Indies seem to have grasped the conditions. Pakistan definitely have the upper hand and once again the onus will be on the in-form Mohammad Rizwan. The only way the visitors can make an inroad will be by claiming the wicket of the opener early in his innings.
The toss is likely to play a crucial role as the extensive usage of the strip is likely to have slowed down the track. Any chase above the 170 mark could be out of the question. If West Indies win the toss and elect to bat first, we might be in for a nerve-wracking contest.
Cricwizz predicts Pakistan to win the 3rd T20I and win the series, 3-0.
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