Ahmed Shehzad’s second ODI fifty puts Pakistan in a strong position - Cricket news
Pakistan’s opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad was in fine form as he reached his second One Day International (ODI) half century against the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 as his side gets ever closer to the 221 run target set by the opposition.
Opening the batting with Muhammad Hafeez, the pair knew that a sure and steady run rate would be enough to lead their side to victory. Sticking to their game plan, Hafeez and Shehzad played some sensible, though some would argue slow, batting. The strategy had the batsmen at 66 runs for no loss in their opening wicket stand.
That is before Bishoo decided to interrupt proceedings sending Hafeez back to the stands for his side’s first wicket. Yet the first wicket partnership had done its job by that stage and even though they did not go along at a blistering pace the pair had lasted an impressive 19 overs together on the pitch.
Ahmed Shehzad seemed focused and stuck to the game plan and ploughed his way to his half century that came after an almost test match like 90 deliveries. Yet Shehzad did not have to worry about that as the target was always within reach of the batsmen.
The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 batsman hit only four boundaries and with a strike rate of 59.00 it was not the most pleasing innings to watch. Yet as ugly as it was, it seemed to be getting the job done.
With his new partner Asad Shafiq on the crease, the pair continue to stick to the strategy as Pakistan crawl their way to the required target.
The performance will give a much needed boost to the often inconsistent and collapse prone Pakistan batting line-up. The side has been looking for an opening batsman who can stay at the crease and get runs on the board and Shehzad is shaping up to be the man.
Ahmed Shehzad went on to convert his first half century into a century in the previous match and will be looking to emulate that performance as the match heads into its crunch final 25 over stage.
If Pakistan does win, it will be their second ODI win on the trot in the series against the West Indies.
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