WI v PAK, 4th T20I Preview: Pakistan look to seal series

The West Indians are set to play their final T20 match against the visitors. The third match between the two sides turned out to be a one-sided contest as West Indies steamrolled the Pakistani bowling attack after being set a modest total. The match started off on the wrong note as Badree dismissed Shehzad and Wasim cheaply, creating panic in the Pakistani dressing room. However, the comeback man Kamran Akmal and Babar Azam steadied the ship with a counter-attacking partnership which brought the momentum back to the Pakistan camp.

The turning point in the innings arrived when Samuels dismissed the opener in an attempt to increase the run rate. From the 93-2 in the thirteenth over, the men in green could only manage a paltry total of 137-8 in their quota of 20 overs. Dismal running between the wickets complemented by disciplined bowling from the home team didn’t help their cause either.

Evin Lewis came out all guns blazing as he scored a blistering knock of 91 runs off just 51 balls which included 9 towering sixes and 5 boundaries with a strike rate of 178.5. He deflated the many hopes of Pakistan sealing the series and made sure the Caribbeans are still alive in the series.

The focus now shifts to the 4th and the final T20I where Pakistan would hope to make amends as they need only a victory to win yet another series away from home. While West Indies would love to carry the momentum and look the equal the series at 2-all and manifest why they’re the World champions in this form of cricket.

Focus will be on

Samuel Badree

Much like the matches before in the series, the Trinidadian will look to replicate his performance with the new ball. Currently, the Pakistan batsmen have no answer to this leg spinner. The Caribbean will look for his services again so as to restrict the Asian team to a modest total.

Shoaib Malik

Despite getting steady starts in the series, Malik has not been able to convert them into a substantial inning. With eyes on the trophy, Malik would want to contribute an innings which would help his team cross the line and why he’s a seasoned campaigner in limited over cricket.

Marlon Samuels

Marlon Samuels obtained the reputation of being the player West Indies have banked on during pressure cooker situations. Much like Malik, a big knock full of impact is always around the corner. As the West Indians are under pressure yet again, Samuels should live up to the expectations and carry his team across line so as to level the series. Pakistanis can underestimate his bowling at their own peril as time and again he has shown why he’s more than just a useful bowler.

Team Combination

Both teams could play the same side which took part in the 3rd T20I. With the 3rd game on the same turf, the slowness of the pitch can be utilized with an additional spinner.

Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field

West Indies (Playing XI): Evin Lewis, Chadwick Walton(w), Marlon Samuels, Jason Mohammed, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Carlos Brathwaite(c), Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree, Kesrick Williams

Pakistan (Playing XI): Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Imad Wasim, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Sarfraz Ahmed(w/c), Rumman Raees, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali

Stat Attack

– Mohammad Hafeez has taken 46 wickets and needs 4 more to achieve the 50 wickets milestone

– No batsman has scored a T20I century against Pakistan. Evin Lewis’ 91 is the highest T20I score against Pakistan.