ICC World Cup 2019: Match 2, Windies vs Pakistan Review – Speedsters roll back the clock as Caribbean assault slays the Men in Green

Pakistan were bowled out for their second-lowest total in World Cups before Gayle and Pooran ran through their bowlers.

Published - 31 May 2019, 13:23 IST | Updated - 31 May 2019, 13:23 IST

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Pakistan have not been performing well in this format for some time now and it just hit new lows in their tournament opener against West Indies. The Caribbean juggernaut picked up from where they left in the warm-up game against New Zealand and restricted the Men in Green to their second-worst total in World Cups.

The Windies fast bowlers scaring batsmen is a sight we haven’t witnessed suitably since the retirement of Sir Curtley Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. But today, the speedsters put in a brilliant shift and stamped their authority. It all began with Sheldon Cottrell finding Imam-ul-Haq’s edge and from then on, they were on top till the end of the match.

Apart from the major fast bowlers, Jason Holder was delighted to see Andre Russell chipping in with a sensational spell. He dismissed Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail with some outstanding bowling and had figures of 2/4 in 3 overs. The attacking fieldsets and the short-pitch bowling produced by these fast bowlers was so reminiscent of the cricket from the 80s and 90s.

Apart from Babar Azam‘s 22-run effort, there was literally no spine in their middle order’s effort. Once Babar was dismissed with the scorecard reading 63/4, the bowling contingent just ran past the Pakistani lower middle and tail. Oshane Thomas was introduced late in the attack, but he eventually ended with the best figures on a day everyone was impressive.

Wahab Riaz had some late blitz left in himself and spanked a few boundaries. But that only took Pakistan past the 100-run mark before getting bowled out. They buckled out for a paltry 105 runs, with Thomas picking 4 and Jason Holder got three wickets for the Windies.

Gayle tonks Pakistan apart

Mark Nicholas on air said “This man makes power hitting look so easy” and that perhaps sums up his exploits in their run chase. Christopher Henry Gayle walloped the Pakistani pacers, who had some good time bowling to the other batters but only got pounded to all parts when Gayle was on strike.

Mohammad Amir tried to vindicate his last-minute selection and produced a firey spell first up, but all of it was too little too late. After managing to draw a lacklustre pull shot from Shai Hope which fell in the hands of Hafeez, he made Darren Bravo lash at a fourth stump delivery only to find himself walking back to the pavilion.

Gayle was struggling with a back sprain and some knee issues, but he fought his way to a fifty at a strike rate in excess of 150. Although he was dismissed soon after his fifty, Nicholas Pooran showcased some Caribbean flair towards the end, which left their opposition detached from their usual self. Pooran finished the game with a six over mid-wicket, a win that should do a world of good to their confidence.