Daily Times

Shoaib Malik and Shadab Khan struck a match-winning performance as Pakistan outclassed West Indies by six wickets to clinch the first Twenty International of a four-match series at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday. West Indies, put in to bat, struggled throughout their innings as 18-year-old Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab took three wickets for seven runs off his four overs to land the man of the match award on his international debut. Only an unbeaten 34 from captain Carlos Brathwaite lifted the hosts to a very modest total of 111 for the loss of eight scalps. Brathwaite, along with Kieron Pollard, two of the game’s most fearsome hitters, were forced to play a consolidating role. Brathwaite managed to inject some momentum in the closing overs, but all that ensured was his side just about managed to get to three figures. In brief, it was a combination of impatience and poor shot selection which the visitors capitalised upon. Without Darren Sammy, without Chris Gayle, without Andre Russel and without Dwayne Bravo, this West Indies side were lacking the spirit that led them to World T20 title in India last year.

Chasing a meager target of 112, the unpredictable batting gave Pakistan a scare when they lost three wickets cheaply. Pakistan weren’t authoritative in response, with Kamran Akmal and Ahmad Shahzad reminding everyone why they have spent long stints in international wilderness. But inform Malik and Babar Azam took control of the chase and steered their team home. The duo rotated the strike regularly and picked off the poor deliveries to eat into the target. Malik’s undefeated 38 off 29 balls was a master class of technique and timing. With Pakistan struggling at 49-3, Malik struck a six and three fours and showed immense stamina right the way through his innings until finally taking Pakistan to victory with 17 balls to spare.

With his performance, Shadab has shown that he can achieve a lot more in the future. This is a good sign for his career. He bowled superbly on his debut and helped Pakistan bag the win with his leg-spin. Shadab literally ran through the Windies top order, snaring Chadwick Walton and Lendl Simmons within four deliveries. Remarkably, Shadab’s figures of 4-0-7-3 could have been even better had Kamran, fielding at backward point, not put down a regulation catch. A big credit should also be given to the other Pakistan bowlers. Imad Wasim gave a great start, then Shadab, followed by pacers Wahab Riaz and Hasan Ali who bowled really well. Especially Wahab, the two overs he bowled against the wind, it was quite difficult to bowl in those conditions.

With this victory, Pakistan have now triumphed in each of their last five T20Is, four of them against the West Indies – the other was a commanding nine-wicket win over England. They are unbeaten since losing to Australia at the World T20 last year, and Sarfraz Ahmad boasts a 100 percent win record in his five games as Pakistan captain in the format. West Indies’ losing run, on the other hand, stretches to four – all of them against Pakistan – and have only won one T20 in the six they’ve played since being crowned World T20 champions in India last year. The second of four T20s will be played in Port of Spain on March 30.