Cracking the fourth bowler conundrum as Pakistan prepare for the West Indies series decider
The third One Day International (ODI) of the series between Pakistan and West Indies is set to take place on Tuesday, as both teams aim to secure a victory and clinch the series. The match will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
The second ODI, a rain-truncated match, saw West Indies emerge victorious, reaching the target of 172 runs in 33.2 overs. Pakistan, on the other hand, posted a score of 171-7 in 37 overs. The weather conditions for the third ODI have been unpredictable, with forecasts differing from expectations.
Pakistan's likely team combination for the series decider has been fairly consistent, but the main dilemma revolves around choosing the fifth bowler to balance the attack. The probable playing XI includes Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub as openers, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicketkeeper), and Hasan Nawaz in the middle order, Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz as all-rounders, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah as pace bowlers, and a final decision on the fifth bowler is yet to be made.
Options for the fifth bowler include Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed (spinner), or Hussain Talat, depending on pitch conditions and team strategy. The pitch at Brian Lara Cricket Academy tends to favor bowlers, especially spinners and pacers who can exploit moisture and grassy patches, making the fifth bowler choice crucial.
Considering the previous ODIs, spinners like Abrar Ahmed could be invaluable, but Pakistan might prefer an additional pacer or all-rounder to support seamers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, making Hasan Ali or Hussain Talat contenders.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed difficulty in deciding the fifth bowler for the series decider, due to the unpredictable weather conditions. The performance of the bowlers in the second ODI is part of the game's unpredictable nature, with part-time bowlers Saim Ayub and Salman Agha conceding a combined 66 runs in seven wicketless overs.
Pakistan had won the preceding Twenty20 series against West Indies, with a score of 2-1. However, the rain delays in the third ODI have not helped Pakistan's cause, potentially affecting their performance. The team is keeping their options open for the finalizing of the XI for the third ODI.
The first ODI was won by Pakistan by five wickets, but they lost the second ODI by five wickets, causing the series to be level at 1-1. The team under coach Mike Hesson appears settled with a clear strategy and roles, focusing on adapting to the prevailing conditions for the third ODI.
[1] Probable playing XI for Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Fifth Bowler Dilemma (Options: Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed, or Hussain Talat)
[2] https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1288779.html [3] https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1288783.html [4] https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1288785.html [5] https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1288782.html
