KARACHI – Romareo Shepherd’s cameo was not enough as Pakistan won the second T20I by 9 runs at National Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday to complete the three-match series.
For the second match in a row, Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 38 to help Pakistan reach 172-8 before restricting the West Indies to 163 all out in 20 overs.
Pakistan has won another series, with the final game taking place in Karachi on Thursday. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, lauded Shadab Khan, the man-of-the-match, for his quick scoring. “Shadab (with the bat) finished really well, and the bowlers played well as well, especially Shaheen (Shah Afridi),” Azam remarked. “The plan was to set a target and defend it while playing according to the conditions and wicket.”
Brendon King smashed a slick 43-ball 67, his maiden T20I half-century, with three soaring sixes and six boundaries, while other batsmen struggled against Pakistan’s bowling.
Romario Shepherd tried to avert disaster with a furious 19-ball 35 not out that included two sixes and as many boundaries, but he fell short of the needed 23 runs in the last over.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-26), Mohammad Wasim (2-39) and Haris Rauf (2-40), as well as spinner Mohammad Nawaz (2-36), shared the bowling honours.
With 61 runs needed in the last five overs, King smacked pacer Haris Rauf for a six, but was caught at the long-on boundary the following ball while seeking another maximum.
King added 54 for the third wicket with Nicholas Pooran (26 off as many balls), but Nawaz broke the partnership with Pooran holding out in the deep.
Odean Smith hit a six and a boundary in his short stay of 12 before Shaheen dismissed him off the first ball of 17th over ans then removed Dominic Drakes and Hayden Walsh off successive deliveries.
