Pakistan v West Indies, T20I series: Combined XI

Pakistan completed a clean sweep over their opponents the West Indies in the 3-match T20I series courtesy of a win in the third T20I at Abu Dhabi. While this preserves the intact win record that Sarfraz Ahmed boasts of, it also seems quite clear that Pakistani limited-overs’ cricket is well and truly on the rise despite the ODI debacle in England. Moreover, the fact of the matter remains that the West Indies are the champions of the world when it comes to T20 international cricket. By virtue of clinching their second World T20 title, the loss would most certainly come as a blow for the Caribbean islanders and their newly appointed skipper Carlos Brathwaite. However, with many individual performances in the series catching the eye, a combined XI has been formulated keeping in mind the performances by some of the players in the recently concluded series. That said, here is the best possible XI from the Pakistan v West Indies T20I series. Khalid Latif Pakistan’s batsman Khalid Latif (R) and West Indies’ wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher (R) watch the ball during the first T20I match between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 23, 2016. (Photo credit KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) This series was the perfect opportunity for the likes of Khalid Latif to shine. The 30-year old came in place of the withdrawn Mohammad Hafeez with Mickey Arthur flaying the axe on those who are not part of his plans. Latif however, had a further opportunity to shine with the bat when his opening partner Sharjeel Khan seemed to be out of sorts with the bat. The right-hander got off to what was perceived as the perfect start to the series from his perspective. He impressed with some calculated big-hitting when he smashed a quick-fire 40 at Dubai. He went on to add 55 more runs in the series, concluding his series at 95 runs from 3 matches at an average of 47.50. What was more impressive was his consistent strike-rate of 107, something he maintained all through the series. The 30-year old also impressed as he concluded the bilateral series as the second highest run-getter for Pakistan. Andre Fletcher Pakistan’s bolwer Sohail Tanvir (L) bowls the ball to West Indies’ Andre Fletcher during the 3rd T20I match between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2016. (Photo credit KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) In a series that saw the West Indies beaten to the pulp, Andre Fletcher was perhaps one of the few batsmen who showed some attacking intent with the bat. While Dwayne Bravo was the only West Indies player to cross 50 runs, Andre Fletcher came close as he managed 40 runs in the series. Of these 40 runs, a brisk 29 was scored in the second T20I at Dubai where Fletcher was one of the few to crack the code of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz. However, despite this, Fletcher’s strike rate was hovering around the 66 mark, something most certainly not desirable by the nominal standards of a T20 player. However, Fletcher made up ground with some decent glove work. It was quite surprising when he was handed the wicketkeeping gloves ahead of Nicholas Pooran who did play all three matches alongside Fletcher. Babar Azam Pakistan’s batsman Babar Azam. (Photo credit KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) Babar Azam was the best batsman for Pakistan in the series by a country mile. Somewhat of a newcomer to the team, Azam has been rock solid in series that he has taken an active part in. Evidence of the same can be found in the simple fact that he was yet another impressive player in the ODI series debacle in England. Azam was Pakistan’s highest run-getter in the series with some impressive knocks in the matches that he did get the opportunity to bat in. he managed 101 runs in the series including a well-made and match-winning 55 in the first match. However, the hallmark of his batting was his impressive and consistent strike rate of 124, something that he was able to maintain right through the series. He is expected to be saddled with a leadership role in the near future. Shoaib Malik Pakistan’s batsman Shoaib Malik (L) hits the ball as West Indies’ wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher (L) fields during the T20I match between Pakistan and West Indies at the during the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2016. (Photo credit KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) While modern-day batsmen are doing the rounds with their impressive gear-changing prowess of batsmanship, the experience is something that is invaluable in the modern game. Shoaib Malik is someone who prides himself on having this experience and also someone who can still bring value to the team despite the new wave of batsmen making their way into the side. Malik was the fourth highest run-getter in the overall series with 80 runs in the series. Of these 80 runs, Malik managed an unbeaten 43, an innings that took the game away from the West Indies who seemed to have clawed their way back into the match. In the two innings that he did get to bat, the Windies seemingly had no answers to his power-hitting as well as his onslaught on the slower bowlers, to say the least. Needless to say, he was an instrumental figure in the Pakistani batting unit. Marlon Samuels Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed (R-back) fields as West Indies’ Marlon Samuels (C) bats the ball during the 3rd T20I match between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2016. (Photo credit KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) If there is one thing the West Indies will remember Marlon Samuels by, it would be the shirtless parade he gave everyone after his match-winning knock in the final of the World T20 at the Eden Gardens. However, when it came to batting in tough conditions of the UAE, Samuels was perhaps the only West Indies batsman who impressed with his solidity. Of course, he did look to take the odd risk, but, this did not mean that he gave up his consistency, something the 35-year old pride himself in. He managed 47 runs in the three matches he played including an unbeaten 42 in the final T20I at Abu Dhabi. The 35-year old may be in the twilight of his career, however, that most certainly does not stop him from being one of the best in the world when it comes to the shorter formats of the game. These 47 runs scored are evidence of the aforementioned statement. Dwayne Bravo (Photo Source: Getty Images) When it comes to T20 cricket anywhere in the world, very few are better than Dwayne Bravo. The 32-year old has a plethora of T20 experience under his belt, something that he has spent years honing and polishing his all-around skills. In the context of the Pakistan v West Indies series, Dwayne Bravo has been the highest run-getter as well as second highest wicket-taker for the Windies. With the bat, Bravo managed 84 runs including a massive 55 runs in the first match, something that allowed the Windies to cross the 100-run mark. With the ball, Bravo was predominantly used in the death overs, something that has become his specialty in recent times. His death bowling skills have been underlined by Shane Warne, who has also gone on to call him the best in the world. Sarfraz Ahmed (C&WK) (Photo Source: Getty Images) Leading from the front for Pakistan in the series was Sarfraz Ahmed. The 30-year old who was appointed at the end of Shahid Afridi’s tumultuous reign has hit the ground running with four wins out of four under his belt. Moreover, Sarfraz is also someone who is not afraid to take his chances with bowlers as well as promoting batsmen up the order if need be. It is this very trait that has seen Sarfraz claim 4 wins in the 4 matches he has featured in thus far. When it came to batting, the 30-year old proved his mettle when he smashed a quickfire 46 in the second ODI at Dubai. He also remained unbeaten and picked two catches in the same match. Imad Wasim Pakistan’s players Imad Wasim (L) and Sarfraz Ahmed (top) appeal to the referee during the 3rd T20I match between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2016. (Photo credit KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) Imad Wasim has been in the news lately courtesy of some of his sweeping comments made in England. Although his chances were somewhat limited, Wasim was handed the saddle of being the strike bowler by Sarfraz in the series against the West Indies. He was the only bowler to bowl all four overs in all three matches played and was only one of two bowlers to claim a maiden over. In his 12 overs, Wasim was highly successful when he picked 9 wickets in the series and conceded just the 53 runs. While Mohammad Nawaz was keeping things tight at the other end, Wasim impressed with his ability to bowl the arm-ball and the slider at will, something not many spinners have been able to master over time. Sohail Tanvir Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir bowls during the T20I match between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 24, 2016. (Photo credit KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) Sohail Tanvir received his late call to arms when Mohammad Amir was ruled out by virtue of his wedding. Having become a part of the side after almost one year’s absence, Tanvir seemingly has more control over his bowling in recent times. The 31-year old was a massive part in all the three matches played and bowled all his overs. The faith shown in him by his captain saw him become the second highest wicket-taker in the grand scheme of things with 5 wickets. Moreover, he conceded just 61 runs at an economy rate hovering around five runs per over, something that Mickey Arthur will be hoping that he accomplishes more often. Samuel Badree West Indies’ bowler Samuel Badree (R) celebrates with his teammate Sunil Narine after bowling out Pakistan’s Shajeel Khan during the second T20I match between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 24, 2016. (Photo credit KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) Samuel Badree is arguably the best bowler in T20 internationals at the moment. He does not do anything special apart from varying his pace at will and spin the ball over middle and off stumps. Yet, he held the top spot in the rankings for a long time. While many have questioned his top spot, others have investigated his success. This investigation can be found in the series against Pakistan in the UAE where he impressed with some tight spells. Of course, he could not get the desired impact, but, it improved the Windies’ chances of victory by the minuscule percentile that it did. In terms of numbers, the 35-year old also did not have the desired impact. He bowled all four overs in the two matches he played and picked up 2 wickets as he did. He was replaced by Kesrick Williams in the final match. Hasan Ali (Photo Source: Getty Images) Hasan Ali’s pace has become something that has been a revelation in recent times. His ability to clock deliveries above 140 kmph has been a boon for Pakistan, especially in T20 internationals where bowlers like Hasan will be useful in death-bowling situations. In spite of being on the expensive side of the economy rate, Hasan Ali picked 4 wickets in the 2 matches that he played in. This, however, was a massive improvement following what happened against Alex Hales in that fateful ODI which saw Ali concede 74 runs at Nottingham. However, in spite of this, Hasan Ali’s wicket-taking ability is something that many captains look forward to in spite of the fact that he leaks runs. Also read – Pakistan v West Indies 3rd T20I – Statistical Highlights

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Pakistan v West Indies, T20I series: Combined XI

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