PAK vs WI: Players sport face masks amid sand storm during 3rd ODI

Pakistan would be hoping to clean sweep the ODI series by getting the better of the West Indies in the third and final game at the Multan Cricket Stadium on June 12. Meanwhile, there was an interruption in the ongoing contest due to a dust storm that had reportedly engulfed the entire Multan.

Things got out of control to such an extent that the players of both sides were unable to continue at that point in time as a result of which the on-field umpires had no choice other than to take the players off the field thereby, pausing the game. Due to the sandstorm, which had made its unexpected presence, not only did the visibility happen to be very low but some of the players were also seen covering their eyes with their hands. More importantly, the players were seen wearing masks due to the effect of the dust storm.

Shadab Khan takes care of Pakistan’s brittle middle-order

Coming back to the contest, the Men in Green won a good toss and decided to bat first in the dead rubber. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq added 85 runs for the first wicket. Zaman (35) once again got off to a flying start but failed to capitalize on it. Pakistan found themselves in a spot of bother when skipper Babar Azam was dismissed cheaply for just one run against his name.

Nonetheless, Imam continued and eventually went on to register a second straight half-century before being dismissed for 62. At 155/5, it appeared that the hosts’ brittle middle and lower order would be exposed and they would be bundled out in no time. However, bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan had other plans as he counter-attacked the West Indies bowlers.

Shadab got good support from emerging batting sensation Khushdil Shah (34). Even after Shah’s dismissal, Shadab decided to take care of the innings single-handedly and looked well set for an outstanding century before being bowled by Jayden Seales for a blistering 78-ball 86.