3rd T20: Pakistan favourites to clean sweep series

Tags: Pakistan Vs West Indies in UAE 2016, Pakistan Vs West Indies 3rd T20I at Abu Dhabi, Sep 27, 2016, Pakistan, West Indies, t20

Published on: Sep 27, 2016

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West Indies may be the T20 world champions, but they have clearly been no match for Pakistan in the ongoing T20 series in Dubai.

West Indies may be the T20 world champions, but they have clearly been no match for Pakistan in the ongoing T20 series in Dubai. And so, when the third T20 begins at Abu Dhabi, they will clearly go in as favourites to win the clash, and in the process, clinch the series 3-0. Pakistan have been the dominant force in the series, and by some margin. This has reflected in the results as well, as they won both the matches rather comprehensively. West Indies on, the other hand, have struggled to deal with the conditions, and have faltered with both bat and ball. They have to do exceptionally well to prevent a whitewash.
The Pakistan bowlers have certainly been the big difference between the teams. In the opening match, Imad Wasim ran through the West Indies batting to put them on the backfoot, and in a position from where they could not recover. Wasim has been economical as well, thus not allowing the Windies to settle into any sort of rhythm. In the second match, Sohail Tanvir was the standout bowler. He brought out all his experience into play to claim crucial wickets. Mohammad Nawaz and Shoaib Malik will be expected to provide better support though.
Pakistan have also batted smartly, gauging the conditions well, and not trying to be over-aggressive. Sarfraz Ahmed has led from the front with fluent performances while Malik also came to the party in the last match. While Sharjeel Khan has not been impressive at the top, the other opener Khalid Latif has made a serious impact. Babar Azam too has proved to be a solid performer with the bat.
As for West Indies, the chief reason why they find themselves in such a position is because their batsmen have failed to deliver at all. The top three -- Ewin Lewis, Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher -- have failed in both the matches. As a result, West Indies haven't got the early momentum. The failure of their experienced players too has hurt them.
Dwayne Bravo got a fifty in the first match, but Kieron Pollard and Marlon Samuels have failed to live up to their reputation. In the bowling, Sunil Narine hasn't been anywhere near his best while Samuel Badree has been, at best, economical. Carlos Braithwaite's performance too has taken a beating ever since he took over as T20 captain.
--By A Cricket Analyst

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