Pakistan v West Indies, 2nd Test - Pakistan Player Ratings

After a one-sided affair in the shorter format of the game, most of the cricket fans were expecting Pakistan to steam roll the Windies in UAE. But, they don’t call this game a “funny one” for nothing!

A Darren Bravo inspired fightback in the first Test provided some much-needed motivation to the Calypso bunch, even though, the visitors lost the game eventually.

While West Indies looked to build on to some late momentum in the second Test, the home side eyed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3 match Test series. Fair to say, it was another impressive performance from Pakistan as they crushed the visitors to a  133 runs defeat in Abu Dhabi.

So, let’s take a look at the player ratings for the home side:

Sami Aslam: 5/10

The 20-year-old Sami Aslam, who was hugely impressive in the first Test, couldn’t build on to his good form in the first innings, as the left-hander fell for a lowly score of 6 runs.

However, the Lahore-born batsman made sure that West Indies couldn’t repeat the familiar fate in the second innings as Sami notched up a crucial 50 while helping to provide an invincible lead alongside Azhar Ali.

Azhar Ali: 5.5/10

Similar to Sami Aslam, Azhar Ali failed to capitalize in the first innings, as the scorer of the triple century in the first Test got out for just a knot.

However, Azhar made sure with his well crafted 79 in the second innings that West Indies had no chance to come back into the Test match.

Asad Shafiq: 7/10

The new Mr. dependable of Pakistan cricket, Asad Shafiq is turning into the same mold as was Rahul Dravid for India over the years.

The 30-year-old came into bat in the first innings with his side struggling terribly. The stylish right-hander again made sure that the home side was safe and sound as he notched up half-centuries in both the innings.

A big score is just around the corner, we reckon. Look out for him in the third Test!

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Younis Khan: 8.5/10

They don’t label a 38-year-old Younis Khan as “one of the best” in the world just for nothing!

The Pakistani batsman literally owned the West Indian spinners during his brilliant counter-attacking century in the first innings. Younis’ classic innings was filled with stylish shots and sweeps that brought Pakistan back into the game after their dismal start to the Test match.

Misbah-ul-Haq: 8/10

Age is what, but just a number!

Misbah-ul-Haq again proved his worth for Pakistan by stringing a brilliant partnership with Younis Khan in the first innings. The 39-year-old Captain made sure the home side were well and truly ahead of the visitors before missing out on yet another century, this time by 4 runs.

Sarfraz Ahmed: 5/10

The T-20 Captain of Pakistan is quickly turning out to be one of the best keeper batsmen Pakistan has ever had in the recent years.

By notching up a well-made half-century in the first innings at run a ball, Sarfaraz made sure he didn’t have to bat in the second innings as Pakistan ran out a comfortable winner.

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Yasir Shah: 8/10

Well, what do I even say?

Another ten for in the match, the best bowler in the world alongside Ravichandran Ashwin of India, Yasir Shah again showed why he is regarded as such a dangerous customer, even in the batsman-friendly conditions of Abu Dhabi.

Brilliant performance from the leg spinner!  But, we are used to that, aren’t we?

Mohammed Nawaz: 3.5/10

Just a single wicket to show for Mohammed Nawaz in the whole game, but the 22-year-old didn’t have many opportunities to bowl either. The left arm orthodox only managed 14 overs in both the innings as the bulk of work was carried out by Yasir Shah and co.

Sohail Khan: 4.5/10

There wasn’t much hope for a fast bowler on a dead and slow wicket of Abu Dhabi, but Sohail Khan managed to pick up a brace in the first innings when his team needed him the most.

Rahat Ali: 6/10

Again, nothing for the fast bowlers, but the left-arm seamer was still very, very impressive, picking up 4 wickets in the game and providing brilliant support to Yasir Shah from the other end.

Zulfiqar Babar: 4.5/10

In theory, Zulfiqar Babar should have done way better than picking up just 2 wickets in the whole game, but the left arm spinner wasn’t at his personal best.

Still, with Yasir Shah in such kind of form, Babar and Pakistan could get away with it.

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