Pakistan v West Indies, 2016-17
Wisden's review of the second ODI, Pakistan v West Indies, 2016-17
15-Apr-2017
At Sharjah, October 2, 2016 (day/night). Pakistan won by 59 runs. Toss: Pakistan. One-day international debut: A. S. Joseph.
Over the last few years, 300 had become the new 250, but nobody told Pakistan. So a total of 337 felt like a foray into new territory, particularly on such a sluggish surface. Sharjeel Khan's 12-ball 24 screamed intent, and Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik heard it, putting on 169 for the third wicket. Malik was the aggressor, overcoming a slow outfield by going aerial - he hit six sixes, including three in an over off Benn. Azam carried on from the first game, except this time with better strike rotation. Sarfraz Ahmed's brisk 60 carried Pakistan to their highest total against West Indies, beating 307 for five at Perth in 2004-05. West Indies fought harder this time and, with Darren Bravo and Samuels in tandem, even entertained thoughts of a successful chase. But despite Pakistani profligacy - six chances went down - they fell comfortably short.
Man of the Match: Babar Azam.
Over the last few years, 300 had become the new 250, but nobody told Pakistan. So a total of 337 felt like a foray into new territory, particularly on such a sluggish surface. Sharjeel Khan's 12-ball 24 screamed intent, and Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik heard it, putting on 169 for the third wicket. Malik was the aggressor, overcoming a slow outfield by going aerial - he hit six sixes, including three in an over off Benn. Azam carried on from the first game, except this time with better strike rotation. Sarfraz Ahmed's brisk 60 carried Pakistan to their highest total against West Indies, beating 307 for five at Perth in 2004-05. West Indies fought harder this time and, with Darren Bravo and Samuels in tandem, even entertained thoughts of a successful chase. But despite Pakistani profligacy - six chances went down - they fell comfortably short.
Man of the Match: Babar Azam.