Haider Ali gives himself ten out of ten for match-winning knock
Pakistan batter Haider Ali was delighted with his 68 off 39 balls against the West Indies in the opening match of their T20 series.
Haider credited Mohammad Rizwan, who top-scored with 78, with giving him the confidence to unleash on the West Indies bowling.
His brutal back-end assault ensured that Pakistan would post 200, a total that the West Indies did not get close to, succumbing to a 63-run defeat.
Haider also revaled that it was a calculated move for Pakistan to take on the West Indies young pace attack.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Haider said: “I rate my innings 10 out of 10.
“Rizi bhai supported me really well and asked me to build my innings. I got a lot of confidence from the way Rizi bhai was playing.
“The pitch was a bit difficult and was helping spinners, so we decided to take our chances against fast bowlers.”
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was pleased with his team’s performance but suggested there could still be changes to the team to play the West Indies on Tuesday.
“Rizwan and Haider Ali played handy knocks and the way Nawaz finished was outstanding,” Babar said.
“Our spinners bowled well and put them under pressure. We will sit and discuss what combination to play for the next game.”
Pakistan dominate, West Indies wilt
Nicholas Pooran, captaining the side in the absence of Kieron Pollard, was pleased with the effort and energy of his young side but insisted their execution must be improved.
Pooran lamented a loose effort in the field which he felt left them too much to do with the bat.
“I think we gave away 20 runs more in the field and there were a few boundaries off the edges too,” Pooran said
“I loved the effort and energy from the guys tonight. We are a young side but it all comes down to execution.”
The West Indies had their preparations hampered by the loss of international regulars Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers and Sheldon Cottrell who tested positive for COVID-19 along with a non-coaching member of the support staff.
The National Stadium in Karachi will host all three matches in the T20I series and the three ODIs that will follow.
