Misbah-ul-Haq proves his worth in the ODI series against West Indies

After the World Cup semi-final loss to India at Mohali, there were many who stressed on axing Misbah-ul-Haq from the squad. Despite the odds, Pakistan’s middle-order batsman has gone a long way to redeem himself with his match-winning performances in the One Day International series against West Indies so far.
His slow style of batting was the reason many had turned against Misbah after the semi-final defeat, but the batsman seems more at home in the ongoing ODI series.
Pakistan’s batting is prone to collapsing and Misbah’s style, although criticized has helped the side in winning matches in the current series. Though he may not play a big inning, his ability to stay on the crease has helped his side out of a tight spot on more than the one occasion.
Against India in the inaugural T20 World Championship final, Misbah was the one batsman who gave his side any hope of winning the fixture. The fact is that Misbah has taken responsibility for his side many a time and that means that if Pakistan loses, Misbah is often the scapegoat.
In the ongoing ODI series against West Indies, Misbah is proving his worth for the Pakistan side. Currently the squad’s highest run scorer in the series, Misbah has hit 178 runs in three matches. His average of 59.33 goes a long way in showing his consistency with the bat.
While the ‘Man of the Match’ award went to opening batsman Muhammad Hafeez in the first ODI for his half century, it was Misbah-ul-Haq’s well-constructed unbeaten 73 runs, which eventually helped Pakistan achieve the target. While not as exciting as Hafeez’s innings, it was far more crucial in keeping the game in reach for the visitors.
The second ODI belonged to Ahmed Shehzad, who rightfully stole all the headlines for his mature and well-composed century. The veteran batsman guided the youngster through the innings, before ultimately lifting Pakistan to a victory himself, with an unbeaten 43-run knock. The fact that surprised everyone was that Misbah managed to maintain a strike rate of 100.00 during his innings.
It would not come as a surprise if reports of Misbah-ul-Haq’s fans, who could not cope after witnessing the match-winning innings, had to be rushed to hospital.
It was in third ODI in which the batsman proved his worth in the Pakistani squad. Men in Green did well to bowl West Indies out for a small total of 171 runs. Chasing the target, Pakistan were in deep trouble at one stage during the match.
After an early collapse from the top-order, Misbah-ul-Haq began the rebuilding process and steadied the ship for Pakistan. Linking up with Umar Akmal and Hammad Azam, the batsman led his side to a more stable position.
Misbah had a total of six batting partnerships in the match and his unbeaten 62-run knock, was the backbone of the Pakistan innings.
Misbah-ul-Haq has not lost his wicket in the three matches of the series so far. The Pakistan batsman seems at home in the ODI version of the game. One can expect more of the same from the backbone of the Pakistan innings in future. With the current form the team is in, Pakistan should be able to continue their winning run and secure the series in style.

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PAKISTAN V WEST INDIES - 3RD ODI - SECOND INNINGS REPORT

Pakistan defeated the West Indians with three wickets and 29 balls to spare in the third match of the One Day International (ODI) series at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. 

After winning the toss Pakistan again opted to field first. The match was reduced to a 45-over affair due to rain.

The West Indians were able to post 171 runs on the board, Lendl Simmons’ knock was the highlight of their innings with 51 off 80.

Darren Bravo’s 47 was the other knock that saved the West Indians from utter humiliation.

Apart from the two, only three batsmen managed to reach double figures while none managed to score above 20. The Windies collapsed completely with 171 runs on the board after 43.4 overs.

Pakistan in pursuit, started their innings with their regular openers, Muhammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad.

Shehzad who was praised for his ton in the last ODI of the series, went out on a duck this time as Simmons pouched one off Rampaul’s bowling.

The one-down batsman Asad Shafiq, has been playing exceptionally well since the World Cup, however, he could not open his account today either and went back to the pavilion after being caught in the slip region on the very first ball.

Muhammad Hafeez then joined the rest in the pavilion after scoring just 5 runs. He was dismissed by Rampaul as well, edging one to Simmons, who made no mistake. Pakistan ended up losing their top three batsmen for just 12 runs.

However, Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal took charge of the middle order. The two provided much needed stability to their side.

They duo provided 37 runs for the fourth wicket. The partnership was broken once again by Rampaul when Simmons caught another victim, Umar Akmal. He made 30 runs from 27 balls and smashed five boundaries.

After Akmal, the rookie Hammad Azam came into the middle in a high pressure situation, however, he coped with the pressure exceptionally well. He supported his senior partner Misbah while the two provided a solid partnership of 78 runs.

Hammad had to head back when he was controversially adjudged leg before wicket, however, he had made 36 crucial runs from 64 balls smashing one boundary and a six.

Misbah on the other hand, completed his half century and remained unbeaten till the very end. After Hammad, the Skipper Shahid Afridi was the next man in. The skipper came and went between 8 balls, scoring 11 runs.

Mohammad Salman was up after Afridi and he too went back just as quickly, scoring 3 runs off 9 balls.

Towards the end, the fast bowler Wahab Riaz stood with Misbah as the two took their team to victory.Pakistan finally ended up winning the match with 3 wickets in hand and 29 balls to spare.

Pakistan now leads the five match ODI series with three victories.

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