Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammed Hafeez: West Indies vs. Pakistan - Batsmen to watch out for - 3rd ODI – Part I
Pakistan need just one more win from the remaining three One Day Internationals (ODI) against the West Indies, to secure a series win against the hosts. Let us take a look at the Pakistani batsmen, who have put up a good show in the tournament so far.
The team has shown an uncharacteristic depth in their batting on an individual level, with three batsmen reaching their half-centuries and one scoring a match-winning hundred.
One has to wonder that which Pakistani batsman the West Indian bowlers need to target.
Mohammed Hafeez
After plenty of experimentation to determine an opening batsman for Pakistan, the Men in Green seem to have at least half of the problem sorted out, with Mohammed Hafeez having earned himself a permanent spot as the side’s permanent opener.
Hafeez has been a revelation for the team, putting in consistent performances. While he does not go on to score big hundreds as often as he should, Hafeez has put an end to the early wicket collapse that had plagued Pakistan over the years.
His performance in the ODI series has been impressive so far, as he has helped his side to get-off to strong starts in both matches in the series.
Scoring a solid 54 runs off a relatively quick pace having faced just 45 deliveries, Hafeez gave the Men in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755, as it allowed other batsmen to
play their natural game.
Hafeez scored 32 runs in the second match, lifting the opening partnership to 66 runs. His confident starts have helped the team to build on a platform, which helps their middle-order batsmen later in the innings.
Hafeez is a solid opening batsman and a worry for the West Indies bowlers. His bowling ability adds advantage to his natural game, as he is also a very useful off-spinner.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ahmed-Shehzad-c42359
After a torrid World Cup campaign, Ahmed Shehzad has put in the kind of composed performance that could make him a regular in the Pakistani squad.
Shehzad struggled slightly in the first ODI, when he was not able to get his innings going and lost his wicket after scoring 22 runs. The important thing though, was that he stood along with Hafeez for a 68-run opening partnership.
The batsman truly came into his own when he scored a match-winning 102 runs, in the second ODI. Shehzad remained composed and never looked to rush his innings, as he led his side to a comfortable second win against West Indies.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 bowlers will be wary of Shehzad, as he looks to be the man-in-form who has the capability to come up with another match-winning performance.
More to follow in Part II
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