Pakistan should be delighted with both the spectacle of the first match of their series against West Indies but also the result.
In sweltering conditions in Multan, Pakistan saw off the West Indies in a high-scoring match which we might see a repeat of in match two.
Pakistan vs West Indies | Second ODI | Friday 10 June 2022 | | Multan International Cricket Stadium, Multan | 13:00
Pakistan
Babar Azam’s ton will grab all the headlines but the consistency of Imam-ul-Haq is gradually helping him win over fans.
Khushdil Shah warrants special mention with his brutal cameo in the series opener proving to be the difference between the two sides.
The bowlers struggled to make any impact on a surface seemingly prupose built for piling on the runs.
Haris Rauf managed to pick up a four-wicket haul in the first match but did so at the cost of 77 runs while Shadab Khan was the only bowler not to concede 50 runs or more from their 10 overs as the tourists piled on the runs last time out.
West Indies
Shai Hope has come good at precisely the right moment to reignite his ODI career and despite the loss his big hundred was a reward for a positive mindset.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs for very long with Pakistan able to just about keep pace with the required rate.
Shamarh Brooks was excellent in supporting Hope but skipper Nicholas Pooran should be concerned about their failure to make the most of the platform that they laid.
West Indies bowlers sent down 12 wides in the opening match against five bowled by Pakistan with Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shephard struggling for control, especially with Keemo Paul and Shermon Lewis potential replacements.
Verdict: Pakistan
Pakistan will be buoyed by a great last-over win in the series opener and should ram home the advantage.
