Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Pakistan take unassailable lead over West Indies


Pakistan survived a few scares to pass West Indies' modest 171 in Barbados and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match one-day series.

In a match reduced to 45 overs per side, Saeed Ajmal and Wahab Riaz each took three wickets to make short work of the Windies batting line-up.

Early strikes from Ravi Rampaul then left Pakistan in trouble at 12-3.

But Misbah-ul-Haq's patient 62 not out saw Pakistan sneak home, winning by three wickets with 29 balls remaining.

Rampaul (4-32) took two wickets with his first two balls, and followed up with a quick third to ensure caution would be the better part of valour for Pakistan's batsmen on a slightly damp but true wicket.

Misbah played the vital innings, sensibly realising the runs could safely be obtained without resorting to injudicious shots.

Pakistan were back on track after Misbah and Hammad Azam (36) had moved the score to 127-4, but spinner Devendra Bishoo responded with three wickets of his own to bring some excitement to the finale.

Misbah, however, would not be budged and a winning six from Riaz did the job.

Earlier, West Indies' batting proved inadequate despite a good start from Lendl Simmons (51). Ajmal and Riaz found wickets far too easy to come by, putting Pakistan firmly on top.

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