Pakistan ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan has opened up about his side’s defeat in the rain-affected second ODI against West Indies, admitting that the batting unit fell short on a challenging pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Speaking at the post-match press conference on Sunday, Rizwan said Pakistan were targeting a bigger score but couldn’t fully adapt to the conditions.
“We made 180, thought 200 was possible. The pitch was difficult, with both spin and seam. The way Chase and Rutherford played changed the momentum,” Rizwan stated.
Concerns over bowling depth
Addressing questions about the bowling attack, particularly the fifth bowler’s role, Rizwan acknowledged the expensive spells but stressed the importance of having multiple bowling options.
“They went for runs, but in the last year, Ayub and Salman have bowled well. You want options with the ball. Ayub did well in the T20s but didn’t do it today. It happens,” he explained, adding that the unpredictable weather had also influenced their approach.
How the match unfolded
The 35-over contest saw West Indies chase down 181 in 33.2 overs to secure a five-wicket win and level the series 1-1. Hasan Ali gave Pakistan an early boost, removing both Brandon King (1) and Evin Lewis (7) inside four overs. Keacy Carty’s dismissal for 16 left the hosts reeling at 37-3.
RELATED: West Indies beat Pakistan for first time in ODIs after six years
However, Sherfane Rutherford counterattacked with a blistering 45 off 33 balls, while captain Shai Hope contributed 32. Mohammad Nawaz claimed both wickets, but by then West Indies had regained control.
Roston Chase (49* off 47) and Justin Greaves (26* off 31) then guided the home side to victory with an unbroken 73-run partnership.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings was derailed by Jayden Seales’ double-wicket maiden, removing Saim Ayub (23) and Babar Azam (0). Hussain Talat (31) and Hasan Nawaz (36*) provided late resistance to push Pakistan to 180-6.
Seales finished with 3-23, while Gudakesh Motie, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph, and Jediah Blades picked up one wicket each.
The third and final ODI will now decide the series winner at the same venue.
