The importance of 2nd Test Match between Pakistan and host nation, West Indies
Pakistan’s tour of West Indies is nearing its climax as the Men in Green look to level up the Test series on Friday, May 20. After losing the only T20 match to the hosts, Pakistan came back strongly in the One Day series where the charged their way to a
3-0 lead in the opening encounters.
A strong fight back from the West Indies saw the host nation salvage more than a little respect as they won the remaining two matches in rather convincing fashion, though it must be mentioned that the reported bad blood between skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 and
coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Waqar-Younis-Maitla-c96193, was a factor that worked in the favour of the Windies.
However, to say it was a major reason would be unfair as the West Indies really came together as a unit and had Pakistan struggling. Even though http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Hafeez-c76898 was declared ‘Man of the Series’ for his impressive performances, which the Pakistani batsmen
produced on a consistent basis, a special mention should be given to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LMP-Simmons-c1843 who was by far the home side’s best player.
In fact, the award should have been split between the two players who both put in outstanding performances with the bat with Simmons scoring 279 runs in the five matches; 12 runs more than Hafeez who finished with 267 runs. However, the Pakistan batsman’s
running played a major role in the series win and therefore, it is safe to say that the award was justified.
Yet, it is important to note that the momentum shifted in the last two ODIs as Pakistan’s dominance gave way to West Indies’ resurgence and that momentum seemed to carry into the Test matches. Pakistan had never won a Test series on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 soil and
had the perfect opportunity to change that statistic in what was to be a bowler’s field day, or rather days, in the first test.
The home side had recalled http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 bowlers took his first two five-wicket hauls. Debutant Devendra Bishoo, Ravi
Rampaul and captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJG-Sammy-c1382 combined over the two innings to put in impressive performances that never allowed the Pakistan batsmen to settle in.
In the end, the West Indies won the first Test by a flattering 40 run margin, setting up what is surely to be a tense encounter in the second test. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972, Pakistan’s Test match captain seemed to have translated some of his admirable ODI series form
into the Test series as he gave his side some hope in the second innings with a 52 run knock.
One might ask the question why it is important for Pakistan to win the second test if all it will achieve, is a series tie. The fact is that the squad is filled with a mix of youngsters, including debutants as well as the old guard and is in some aspects
a transitional side.
A first test win would do wonders in terms of morale and confidence regardless of whether it will result in a series draw or not. No team likes to lose and Pakistan is no different, and for the Men in Green, it is a case of pride as well.
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