Mohammad Rizwan Reflects On 2nd ODI Loss, Says ‘They Went For Runs But…’ News24 –

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan is optimistic that his bowling attack will get into rhythm as the three-match ODI series against the West Indies heads towards a deciding match at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

West Indies Level the Series with Impressive Chase

The hosts rebounded in emphatic fashion in the second ODI, winning comprehensively in a rain-affected game. With a reduced target of 181 runs, the West Indies chased it down with ease, courtesy of a match-winning, unbeaten 77-run partnership between Roston Chase and Justin Greaves.

Pakistan’s part-time spinners Saim Ayub and Salman Agha were in the limelight as they both gave away 33 runs each, which cost Pakistan the game as the Caribbean side levelled the series 1-1. Rizwan was tight-lipped on whether the duo would be given a place in the playing XI for the last game, but expressed his trust in them if they were given a chance.

Mohammad Rizwan On Pakistan’s Defeat In 2nd ODI

“We made 180, thought 200 was possible. Pitch was difficult, there was spin and seam. The way Chase and Rutherford played changed the momentum. (Fifth bowler an issue?) 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. Happens. The forecast changed today and was unpredictable. We’ll have to factor that in during the last game.”

Historic Win For The Windies

The victory was a big one for the West Indies; it was their first ODI win over Pakistan since 2019, when they comprehensively beat them by seven wickets in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Nottingham. They had gone six years without a win against Pakistan in the one-day international format before that.

Windies Eye Long-Term Growth

The series is more than a series to win for the West Indies. Head coach Daren Sammy and captain Shai Hope have stated publicly that the matches are all part of an ongoing rebuild, with qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at the forefront of their minds.

Having lost out on the 2023 edition in India, West Indies are keen to return to cricket’s premier platform and are employing this series as an opportunity to enhance their game in all departments. Hope reaffirmed the team’s focus to sharpen their skills and consistency as they construct towards the next big tournament.