West Indies vs Pakistan 2013 - Third ODI: Pakistan Preview

Pakistan will be banking on their bowlers to do the trick against the hosts at Gros Islet

After the 37-run loss against the West Indies in the second ODI of the ongoing tri-series, the visitors would want to get their campaign back on track going into the third ODI on Friday.

The teams have shifted base to the picturesque Beausejour stadium at Gros Islet, which might provide a welcome departure from the low scoring fixtures that have been a defining facet of the tri-series thus far.

The Pakistani batters were again not up to the mark, and there was no Afridi blitzkrieg this time around to propel their fortunes. Almost all their batsmen failed to capitalise on the starts that they managed, with the lone exception of Nasir Jamshed who notched up a half century, but not before he had his share of luck with multiple chances going down in the field.

The Pakistani top order was willing to play the waiting game, and did not score a single run off the bat till the fifth over. But the escalating run rate coupled with tumbling wickets hampered their chances big time. Fall of wickets at alarmingly regular intervals meant that the late flourish provided by Umar Akmal did not account for much as the Pakistan team finished well short of the target.

Going into the next game, the onus is again on the batsmen to play with greater responsibility, more so considering the slow nature of the track that assists spin bowling. They should not try to be over cautious, rather try and keep rotating the strike to keep the score-board ticking that will prevent unnecessary pressure to employ ugly heaves.

Narine was in his zone having gone wicket-less in his last three appearances in the national colours, picking up four wickets. A cautious approach against Narine should be top on their priority list.

Bowling was fine, though they leaked runs at the death, something that they need to take care of, otherwise the WI lower-middle order boasting of Pollard, Bravo, Sammy et al will make merry.

It is, again, no doubt the Pakistani batting, that is, in all probability, going to determine the course of the match.

Playing conditions

The Beausejour strip offers true pace and bounce, and might suit free stroke making, something that the two teams would be hoping for, considering the fact that both are packed with natural stroke makers. Mohammed Irfan, with his lanky build, can prove to be a handful considering the pace and bounce he generates.

The strip offers fair assistance to spin as well, so the two best bowlers in the world (Narine and Ajmal) might have a fair day. Ditto for Afridi.

Key Players

Saeed Ajmal

He picked up two wickets in the last game, but leaked a few runs. Expect him to all-right on a track that might offer some assistance.

Nasir Jamshed

He notched up a half century, albeit not a very convincing one. Nevertheless, he needs to hold the batting together letting the big hitters take the occasional risk considering how they have been coming and going thus far this series.

Shahid Afridi

Batting apart (though no one can tell what is in store there, but safe to presume another rampage is far away), it is his bowling that has earned him a place in the team. And he hasn’t disappointed, being the leading wicket taker with 9 scalps for almost nothing.

Strategy

Winn the toss, bat first. The pitch might offer true pace and bounce conducive to stroke making. Regardless, the prospects of a whimsical and unreliable batting line up chasing on any kind of strip seem far from rosy.

The Pakistani team can also take heart from the fact that they have won all their four matches on this ground against the West Indies. Sadly for them, Gayle has the most runs here and, incidentally, the most wickets.

Probable XI

Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shahzad, Mohammed Hafeez, Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal (wk), Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Asad Ali, Mohammed Irfan.