The second T20 between West Indies and Pakistan gave the potential for the remaining two matches in the series to be competitive rubbers but when the two sides meet for the third time in a short space on time in Trinidad on Saturday it will be Pakistan who will be looking to wrap up the series.
That is because Pakistan have won the opening two matches of the series and are two up with two to play. The World T20 champions West Indies need to win the match to have a chance of sharing the series on Sunday.
West Indies
I would imagine the West Indies will still be kicking themselves for not winning the second match on Thursday. They weren’t at the races at all in the opening match of the four but with both the bat and the ball they got themselves into a winning position in the second T20 only to fall away on both occasions.
It is fair to say that despite them missing out on a good chance to level the series on Thursday there is a lot to work on for the West Indies and I guess after that match you would have to add handling pressure to the list. With the bat and in the field they have been ordinary at best in this series and that doesn’t get it done.
Pakistan
Even the most ardent Pakistan fan would probably appreciate that their side got away with one in the previous match but they won the game and at the end of the day that is the aim and it doesn’t really matter how you get there as long as you do in the end. They can take confidence from that win but they’ll know there is improvement in them.
We did see that age old fragility to Pakistan’s batting line up in the last match and they will need to sort that out although that only tends to come out when they are batting first. If they can win the toss and bowl I think we will see them perform fine. Even if they do bat badly their bowlers can still get them out of trouble.
Team News
It would make no sense for Jason Mohammed to continue to be left out of this side and with Rovman Powell having had two chances to impress and failing both times that change is on the cards.
Pakistan might consider leaving out Kamran Akmal for someone like Mohammad Hafeez but it could be that they abide by the old adage of not changing a winning side.
Betting
I’ve taken Pakistan in the first two matches and I’m not going to desert them now. I think whoever bats second is the most likely to win but while they made a meal of it Pakistan did show in the last game that they can win batting first and that could be significant.
We have a confidence side against one lacking in confidence, direction and motivation and I’ll take the confident team all day long. That is Pakistan here.
Tips
Back Pakistan to win 3rd T20 for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Coral
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