Before the series was announced, the West Indies vs Pakistan series was supposed to have three T20Is and three Test matches. But one Test match was cut short, and two T20I matches were added to prepare for the T20 World Cup. Ironically, it came back to three T20Is now after one game was cut off due to covid and the other was washed out. So, let’s try this again, shall we? Here is the match preview of the 2nd T20I match between the West Indies and Pakistan.
There were moments for both teams in the first game, mainly for Pakistan. Mohammad Wasim Jr made his debut and took the wicket of Chris Gayle in his spell of 1-20. Let’s not forget that nasty bowl to Lendl Simmons, who was retired hurt after the ball was struck on his helmet.
Then, Hasan Ali’s 50th and 51st wicket became just the fourth pacer and ninth overall to take 50+ wickets for Pakistan in T20Is. Let’s not forget that he gave away only 5.5 runs per over in a game where hit-or-out was asking.
Usman Qadir and Shadab Khan combined figures were 1-14 in two overs. It was surprising that all three fast bowlers bowled two over spells while all spinners bowled only one over. It could have been the other way around, but the captain knows best. Now for another round, Babar Azam and his men will have to keep that up.
Rain scheduled ahead in Guyana
The final three matches of this T20I series will take place in Guyana. And here’s bad news; all five days are scheduled for rain. What’s slightly good news is that it is early morning rain, hours before the match originally begins. But you cannot say that the weather will be expected as the predictor says. Rain may spoil all three games.
This will dent both the West Indies’ and Pakistan’s preparation for the World Cup. They will have to make the most of the practice like this should rain play a major part.
For West Indies, they had a fine time against Australia but lack of matches against Pakistan, who are far better performers in UAE than the men in gold, could be vital. Since 2016, West Indies have played seven T20Is matches against Pakistan (excluding this series) and won only once. They were dominated in UAE 3-0 before losing out the home series 3-1. Personally, they have never won a T20I series against Pakistan before so that is one other target they will be looking for.
And let’s not forget that the second and third T20Is will be played on consecutive days.
2nd T20I Match Details:
- Date: July 31, 2021
- Timing: 8:00 PM PKT
- Venue: Providence, Guyana
- Weather: Early rain is expected before it clears out for the rest of the day.
Conditions / Pitch Report:
The pitch is going to be slightly slow. It will be a spin-friendly wicket in Providence. Spinners will enjoy some good turns here.
Head to Head:
Matches: 15 | West Indies: 3 | Pakistan: 11 | Tied/ No-result: 0/1
Form Guide:
West Indies: NR W L W W (Most recent first)
Pakistan: NR L L W W
Team News:
1. West Indies
West Indies went all slog in the rain-affected match just to put on something to challenge Pakistan. One change is possible. Lendl Simmons was struck on the helmet and walked off the field. Andre Fletcher may replace him. Otherwise, it is unlikely that they will make a change in the XIs.
West Indies’s Probable XI:
1. Lendl Simmons/ Andre Fletcher, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Nicholas Pooran (WK), 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Kieron Pollard (C), 7. DJ Bravo, 8. Andre Russell, 9. Jason Holder, 10. Hayden Walsh, 11. Akeal Hossain
2. Pakistan
The same case for Pakistan – The bowlers were okay, but batters did not have time to bat. An unchanged team is likely to play tomorrow.
Pakistan’s Probable XI:
1. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 2. Sharjeel Khan, 3. Babar Azam (C) 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Fakhar Zaman, 6. Azam Khan, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Hasan Ali, 9. Mohammad Wasim Jr, 10. Shaheen Afridi, 11. Usman Qadir
Players to watch:
1. Mohammad Wasim Jr, All-rounder (Pakistan)
He has been the talk of the town lately. A young fast bowler from North Waziristan, he made his PSL debut in 2021 for Islamabad United. He picked 12 wickets at an average of 28. Wasim is also handy with the bat too. He picked up his only wicket so far, but it was the big one of Chris Gayle. His line and length were praised by the West Indies commentators. Still young, he has a lot to show.
2. Hayden Walsh, Bowler (West Indies)
In his recent series against Australia, leg-spinner Hayden Walsh has bagged 12 wickets in five games, averaging 11 and striking at every ten balls. He was the “Player of the Series” and was very good at the middle, where Pakistan has big issues. Handy with the bat too, he will be targeting the Pakistan batsmen and will become a key player in the West Indies T20 World Cup journey.
Stats and Trivia:
- The washout in the first T20I was the first no-result in West Indies and Pakistan T20Is.
- Hasan Ali took his 50th wicket in the first T20I.
Also read: Squad Review: How strong are Muzaffarabad Tigers?
