Twitter Reactions: Shoaib Malik's ton leads Pakistan to series victory

It’s been a tough journey for Pakistan’s cricket lately, who, despite having a power-packed side, have slumped to no.8 in the ICC ODI rankings. Under such circumstances, defeating a no.9 team can work as a significant confidence booster. A dominating performance from the Pakistan batsmen ensured the team cantered to a 6 wicket victory over hosts West Indies in the deciding ODI. With a series win in the bag, Pakistan now have much to play for to creep into the top 7 and, in turn, qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup before the stipulated cut off date.

With the series squared at 1-1, it was a perfect opportunity for the West Indies to give their fans something to cheer for at home. However, the series culminated in a familiar result for the hosts of late. Electing to bat first, West Indies failed to put pressure on the Pakistan bowlers. They got off to a snail’s pace start, finding themselves stranded at 68-3 at the end of the 19th over. Jason Mohammed and Shai Hope however pulled things back to a certain extent for the Windies. Their 101-run stand was the only noticeable partnership for the team.

Mohammed was caught behind off Junaid Khan for a well-made 59. Once Hope was back in the hut, the scorecard read 211-6 with 46 overs done and dusted. Nobody from the West Indies stood up to score a flurry of boundaries towards the end of the innings.

Amir was brilliant with the ball for Pakistan, picking up 2 wickets for 41 runs. But it was Junaid Khan who had done the groundwork for the visitors to stifle the Windies batsmen. Imad Wasim’s miserly spell of 1-24 in his 10 overs ensured that Pakistan had the upper hand. Shadab Khan was a bit expensive, but chipped in with 2 wickets.

With only 233 on the board, the onus was on the Windies bowlers to take a vice-like grip over the Pakistan batsmen; indeed they did, but not for too long.

Pakistan’s reply began with an eventful first over, which saw Kamran Akmal walk back after the very first ball. Ahmed Shehzad was once again involved in a nasty collision, this time with Babar Azam. Shehzad was up and running, but didn’t last too long at the crease, courtesy – a brilliant take by Hope behind the stumps. Centurion from the previous game Babar Azam was not to be a hero in the decider, as he was dismissed for 16. As has been the case on so many occasions, Pakistan found themselves in a spot of serious bother at 36-3.

In walked Shoaib Malik to face the last ball of the 9th over. He would go on to be the man who smacked the last ball of the match down the ground for a maximum to bring up a terrific 100, and ensure a series win for the visitors. A robust 113 run stand between veterans Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez had erased the frowns off the Pakistan dugout.

Once Hafeez was dismissed for a sturdy 81, Sarfraz Ahmed joined Malik in the middle. The duo eased to a victory with 41 balls to spare. Malik’s 100 along with Hafeez’s supportive knock had carried Pakistan across the finish line.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Pakistan’s thumping victory over the West Indies in the deciding ODI in Guyana.