Pakistan’s elite batting display downs West Indies in Multan

. . .-100 . . . . . div , , p . , . , Having recently beaten Australia in the three-match ODI series, Pakistan have continued to impress in the 50-over international cricket. This time it was the turn of West Indies to face the wrath of the green shirts as the hosts recorded an emphatic performance in the first game of the three-match series to take a 1-0 lead. In the scorching heat of Multan, West Indies won the toss and decided to bat first. Shaheen Afridi picked an early wicket, which is now a regular phenomenon in the cricketing world. However, Shai Hope and Shamarah Brooks registered an impressive 156-run partnership for the second wicket to put their team in a strong position. While Brooks scored a well-timed half-century, Hope continued to fire with the bat and registered yet another ODI ton. Some good display in the death overs helped Pakistan, but West Indies still managed to get 305 runs on the board, which, despite being a regular occurrence these days in ODIs, needed some doing. From Pakistan, it was the usual show from Imam-ul-Haq, who mustered an impressive half-century, and skipper Babar Azam, who produced a third consecutive ODI century. However, it would be a shame not to mention the heroics of Khushdil Shah who turned his beast mode on when it was needed the most. From 8 off 13 balls, the belligerent striker went on to muster 41 off 23 balls and helped the green team get over the line in a tight chase. In the end, he flew away with the player of the match award, courtesy of Babar Azam.