West Indies will battle to keep the series alive when they go up against Pakistan on 1 August, for the third T20I in Guyana.
After the opening match was washed out, Pakistan have taken a 1-0 lead in the four-match series with a hard-fought seven-run win less than 24 hours ago. Riding on Babar Azam’s 40-ball 51 and Mohammad Rizwan’s 36-ball 46, they reached 157/8 after being invited to bat. Coming to defend, Mohammad Hafeez returned outstanding figures of 4-1-6-1 to restrict West Indies to 150/4.
West Indies are known for a fearsome approach in the field, with both bat and ball. Their bowlers did their job at the death in the first match, picking 6-23 in the final four overs after Pakistan got off to a blistering start. But, coming to chase, they lost four wickets and yet they fell short of the target, something which we do not often see from them, especially in T20Is.
Nicholas Pooran’s batting was the only high point. Pooran hit a career-best 33-ball 62 not out, laced with four fours and six sixes, on the slow Guyana pitch. Still, it was not enough as he did not get much support from the other end.
Evin Lewis had to retire hurt following a cramp, and is unlikely to feature in the third match. Lendl Simmons may replace him. West Indies are expected to make at least two other changes; Fabian Allen for Akeal Hosein and Obed McCoy for Romario Shepherd. If they go for two pacy all-rounders, Andre Russell may fill in for Shimron Hetmyer.
Pakistan are unlikely to flirt with their winning line-up. Their middle order batters might not have been not at their best a day ago, but they are unlikely to fail again. On the other hand, they bring Imad Wasim back for Usman Qadir.
Betway Fantasy Apps
– Bet on West Indies. They did not field their full-strength line-up last time, but they will this time.
– Hayden Walsh Jr had a quiet game. He is not going to remain wicketless this time, for sure.
– Pick Rizwan ahead Babar. If you bet on Pakistan, make Rizwan captain.
Likely XIs
West Indies: Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen, Obed McCoy, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman, Sohaib Maqsood, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi.
Prediction
West Indies should win the contest and level the series.