Green Shirts grapple with fifth-bowler puzzle ahead of West Indies series decider – SUCH TV

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted to concerns over the fifth-bowler option, saying a final decision on the playing XI for Tuesday’s series decider against West Indies would be made at the last moment following Sunday’s defeat in the second one-day international.

After winning the opening ODI by five wickets, Pakistan set a competitive 171-7 in 37 overs in a rain-shortened contest, but West Indies chased the target with five wickets to spare, leveling the three-match series.

Part-time bowlers Saim Ayub and Salman Agha went for a combined 66 runs in seven wicketless overs, allowing West Indies to cruise to victory.

“Our fifth-bowler option did leak runs, but both Salman and Saim have bowled well for us in the past,” Rizwan said after the game.

“Saim didn’t have the best outing today, but he was excellent in the T20Is. These things happen in cricket.”

Rizwan said they could not read the conditions, and several rain delays did not help their cause.

“Honestly, the weather forecast has been completely different from expectations, and it’s hard to read.

“We’re keeping our options open and will finalise the XI after assessing the conditions,” the skipper remarked.

Pakistan had won the preceding T20I series 2-1.