Image courtesy of: The Jamaica Gleaner

Samuels’ century was spoiled by Pakistan and the rain

The rain Gods must have been smiling down on Pakistan during the fourth ODI as they were able to secure an unassailable 2-1 series win over the West Indies, despite a valiant century by all-rounder Marlon Samuels.

The match was initially scheduled to be 49 overs per side and due to his rainy conditions, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq did not hesitate to bowl first after winning the toss.

With Chris Gayle having failed to produce a decent score in the first three ODIs, he was demoted lower down the order and Devon Smith was sent in to open with Johnson Charles.

However, Smith failed to do any better than Gayle as he could only manage eight runs before being dismissed by Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Irfan.

Charles meanwhile looked in good touch, but once again he failed to convert his excellent start into a big score as he was given out lbw off the bowling of Junaid Khan.

Darren Bravo also failed to produce any magic with the bat as he was removed for just nine runs.

Gayle and Samuels put together a 57-run partnership to stabilise the West Indian innings, but just as Gayle looked to be unleashing the beast within, he threw his wicket away.

Lendl Simmons and Samuels continued to pile on the runs and it was only a matter of time before Samuels recorded his century, much to the delight of the crowd at St Lucia, who up till now, had not had much to cheer about.

Simmons and Samuels put together a 95-run partnership before Simmons was dismissed just four runs shy of his half-century.

Samuels was finally removed for 106 off 104 balls, which included nine boundaries and four sixes, but his brilliant innings had already helped the West Indies post a score of 261 from their 49 overs.

Irfan was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with two wickets, while Khan, Wahab Riaz, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal all picked up one wicket apiece.

Before Pakistan could get their chase underway, the heavens parted and the persistent rain further reduced to game down to 31 overs, meaning that Pakistan needed 189 to win.

Pakistan were dealt two early blows as openers Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad were both dismissed cheaply.

Mohammad Hafeez and ul-Haq steadied the Pakistan innings with a 72-run partnership, during which Hafeez brought up his half-century before being dismissed almost right after for 59.

Ul-Haq continued to take a sensible approach towards the game and soon recorded his own half-century.

Pakistan were able to get across the finish line thanks to a quickfire 45-run partnership between ul-Haq and Umar Akmal, which came at a rate of 9.64 runs per over.

Ul-Haq finished unbeaten on 53 off 43 balls, which included three boundaries and one six.

Jason Holder, Kemar Roach and captain Dwayne Bravo all took one wicket apiece in an attempt to restrict Pakistan.

Bravo was disappointed not to have won the game after Samuels’ sparkling century.

“Was a great batting display by us and Marlon,” he said. “Very disappointed we didn’t win the game for him. Our main bowlers had already bowled five overs (before the rain break) and I could have done a lot better, it was always us against a very good batting line-up. We wanted to bat first anyway and Marlon batted through for us today.”

Ul-Haq was extremely pleased with the series win, especially after Pakistan had failed to win a single game during the Champions Trophy.

“Very pleased,” he said. “We were looking to exploit the pitch but the rain came early. It was like a normal T20 game, Hafeez and I wanted to play normal cricketing shots. It was the case of not panicking. Junaid bowled very sensibly, good yorkers. We needed 8 an over and I had to adjust. The team will gain from the momentum today.”

Samuels edged out ul-Haq for the Man of the Match award, and said: “West Indies cricket is still on the rise so we want the fans to stay with us. I set high standards and I’m still in good nick. If you look at my career I have never failed consistently. The coach has been telling the players to give ourselves a chance. There is some fire burning inside me so I had to let it off (while celebrating).”