Pakistan have been a formidable unit against West Indies, who suffered a massive defeat in the T20 series, and also failed to defeat the Men in Green in the first ODI on Friday. Pakistan looked a superb team in the opening match of the ODI series, winning the match by 111 runs (D/L method).
There is a serious need for West Indies to play some good cricket if they are to defeat an upbeat Pakistan team in the second ODI, which is set to be played in Sharjah on Sunday.
The problems with West Indies have been their batting. In the T20 series, their top order failed miserably, and the Caribbean nation as a result, could not come with a decent total as well. That did not change in the first ODI, with batsmen failing to convert their starts. While chasing 284 runs, they were all out for 175 runs.
Skipper Jason Holder wants his players to perform in the second ODI.
"In this situation, we need to turn things around and we really need to look at ways we can improve. Obviously one big area is the batting. We did see off the new ball [in the ODI]. It's just a matter of rotating the strike a bit better than we did today. I think once we do that we should go into the next match in better stead," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Holder as saying.
Even West Indies bowlers did not look impressive in the first ODI. They have quality bowlers and batsmen in their teams, but they have to shine. Another defeat in the second ODI will make difficult for them to make a comeback in the series.
Pakistan have no such problems. Someone or the other have been delivering the goods. Babar Azam, with his ton in first ODI, looked in brilliant mood to secure victory for the Men in Green, while Sharjeel Khan also supported him well. If their top order can score likewise in the second ODI, Pakistan will once again be in the driver's seat.
Pakistan might have lost the ODI series against England 1-4, but their players seem to have gained confidence from their sole win in England. All their players are contributing to the team's win, which is a hallmark of a quality side.
Besides the batsmen, bowlers like Mohammad Nawaz and Hasan Ali also contributed, picking up four and three wickets respectively in their last match against West Indies. On paper and current form, Pakistan should go into the second ODI as favourites, but West Indies will also be determined more than ever for victory.
Where to watch live
Pakistan vs West Indies 2nd ODI is scheduled for 3 pm local time (11 am GMT, 4:30 pm IST, 4 pm Pakistan time ) start. TV options and live streaming options can be found below.
India: TV: Ten 3: Live Streaming: Ten Sports Live
Pakistan â€" TV: PTV Sports. Live streaming: PTV Sports live
US: Willow TV
