Pakistan braced for West Indies backlash

After winning T20I series, Men in Green ready for reaction from hosts

KARACHI: After securing a 3-1 win in the T20I series, the Men in Green are expecting a strong reaction from hosts West Indies in the three-match ODI series, which begins today.

The West Indies side was brought down by Pakistan’s bowling attack of Wahab Riaz, Hassan Ali, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim, and the visitors will be looking to do more of the same in the one-day series.

Much like the T20I squad, the ODI one also welcomes new faces who have been impressing in the domestic circuit of late and includes Asif Zakir, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Asghar and Fahim Ashraf.



The 33-year-old Zakir, who has an average of 44.69 in list-A matches with a highest score of 176 not out, is eying a strong start to his international career.

“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time and now that I have got the opportunity, I want to make the best of this chance and show what I can do for Pakistan,” Zakir told The Express Tribune. “West Indies, after losing the T20I series, will be looking for revenge in the ODI series and we are prepared for them.”

While Pakistan have been impressive in the shortest format of the game, their record against the Caribbean outfit in ODIs — 58 wins out of 131 matches — is not as impressive.



And former Test cricketer Shoaib Muhammad believes that Pakistan should keep that mind and play attacking cricket from the onset if they want to trouble the West Indies.

“The top three batsmen need to take the attack to the opposition in order to catch the hosts off-guard,” Shoaib told The Express Tribune. “Our batsmen shouldn’t just survive against the new ball; one of the opening three batsmen needs to score big in order to provide a strong foundation for our middle-order to score quick runs.”