Rizwan expects improved performances from part-timer bowlers following loss to WI in 2nd ODI

Tarouba [Trinidad and Tobago], August 11 (ANI): Pakistan's skipper Mohammed Rizwan backed his part-timer bowlers to deliver a much better outing against West Indies in the third and final decider ODI following the team's five-wicket loss at Tarouba.

The West Indies proved too strong in the second ODI of the series in Trinidad, with Roston Chase and Justin Greaves combining for an unbeaten partnership of 77 to help the Caribbean side chase down the adjusted victory target of 181 in a rain-affected contest at Brian Lara Stadium.

Chase and Greaves took a particular liking to Pakistan's part-timers of Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, with the pair each conceding 33 runs from their spell as the West Indies squared the series at 1-1 ahead of the final match at the same ground on Tuesday.

While Rizwan would not confirm the duo will retain their place in Pakistan's side for the series decider, he backed them to perform well should they win selection for the eagerly-awaited contest.

"You could say our fifth bowler gave away too many runs (today), but in recent years, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub have both bowled well for us," Rizwan said post-match as quoted by ICC.

"Saim did not have the best day today, but he performed well in the T20Is. That is just part of the game."

"Honestly, the weather forecast has been completely different from expectations, and it is hard to read. We are keeping our options open and will finalise the XI (for the series decider) after assessing the conditions," he concluded.

The victory for the West Indies was their first over Pakistan in more than six years, with their most recent win against the Asian side prior to this match coming at the 2019 edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup when they cruised to a seven-wicket triumph in Nottingham.

The landscape is very different now for the West Indies, who missed qualification for the most recent 50-over World Cup in India in 2023 and are chasing a return to the major tournament in 2027, according to coach Daren Sammy and skipper Shai Hope.

Sammy said prior to the series against Pakistan that the matches were serving as preparation for the next 50-over World Cup, and Hope confirmed the West Indies are trying to improve in all facets of the game.

"We always speak about partnerships, and we just want to get better in every area, so I am happy with the win today," Hope said.

"It was great to see our guys adapt in the middle overs, and credit has to go to Chase and Greaves for sealing the deal and to Sherfane (Rutherford) too, who gave us impetus," he concluded. (ANI)

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