Pakistan thrashed West Indies in the T20 series, defeating them 3-0, and the Men in Green are also aiming for a ODI series whitewash as they will face the Caribbean nation in the third ODI on Wednesday. West Indies, on the other hand, only have to play for pride in the ODI series now.
Babar Azam has played an important role in the first and second ODIs to script back-to-back wins. Besides Azam, other batsmen have also played an important role with the bat, scoring important runs. It has been a combined team effort, which has helped Pakistan dominate West Indies in all departments. Men in Green bowlers have also outshone West Indies with the ball.
Hence, they will come into the third ODI as a confident unit as well. Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has higher dreams with his team, and wants to be one of the top four ODI teams. If they can play the quality of cricket, which they have in the series, Pakistan can surely challenge any team in world cricket.
Arthur's players will not take West Indies lightly despite having won the series.
"We don't want to think that we have won the series so back off because we have got so many more goals as a One-Day unit to achieve and to be amongst the top four is one of them. We have to continuously push the players as a group. We will keep hammering them so they keep getting better," AFP quoted Arthur as saying.
Not many changes are expected in the winning side, but Mohammad Amir will not be available for the third ODI. The pacer will head back to his country to take care of his ill mother.
Well, what can one say about West Indies, who are yet to play a quality game in the series. Neither has their bowlers performed nor the batsmen. In fact, it is the top order of West Indies which seems to have become a major problem without Chris Gayle.
Their batsmen have failed to provide West Indies with a good start, which was the case in the T20 series as well. Their batsmen are starting well, but are not converting their stars into good scores. West Indies players need to erase whatever has happened so far, and just concentrate on the third ODI ahead of the Test series.
A victory for West Indies in Abu Dhabi may provide the visiting team much more confidence before they venture out in the longer format of the game.
Where to watch Pakistan vs West Indies 1st ODI live
Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd 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 – TV: PTV Sports. Live streaming: PTV Sports live
US: Willow TV
