Pakistan put their World Cup disappointment past them in the first ODI against the West Indies, coasting to a facile 8 wicket win, while the Calypso Kings struggled to impress in their first ODI after the World Cup.
West Indies
Lendl Simmons, who looked in superb touch in the only T20I, and Darren Bravo are the mainstays in the West Indian batting line up and much depends on them to help WI to a good platform. Simmons struggled a tad during his 44 ball 24 but Bravo was far more authoritative during his knock scoring a defiant half century to ensure West Indies reach a respectable target. Against a bowling line up filled to the brim with talent and variety, it is time the batter rise to the occasion. The return of Dwayne Bravo to the side will help the team get some much needed experience and he along with Darren Sammy have a key role of inspiring the young team to compete on all fronts.
Their bowling department too, barring Devendra Bishoo, failed to impress in the first ODI with Bishoo picking up both the wickets that fell. They have the firepower with the likes of Kemar Roach, Andre Russell and Bravo among others in the line up, but they will have to fire in unison if they are to entertain thoughts of skittling out Pakistan for a low score.
Pakistan
Pakistan couldn't have asked for a better start to their ODI tournament, finishing off the West Indies in clinical fashion. Their top order clicked with 3 of the 4 batters notching up half centuries with Mohammad Hafeez the most impressive. Misbah ul Haq and Asad Shafiq were the other players who hit 50s. The top order ensured they made short work of the West Indies' sub par score of 221, romping home with more than 8 overs to spare.
Their bowling line up too had a good work out - with all their 5 front-line bowlers having to bowl 10 overs each. Unlike in the World Cup, Shahid Afridi was not amongst the wickets, but he will not be complaining if his other bowlers do the job for him. Saeed Ajmal proved to be unplayable for the WI, as they could only knock of 24 runs off the bowler.
Quotes
Darren Sammy: We may need to show more intent in our approach. We have a new batting coach, and he has been doing some good work, but we can't lose sight of us reaching 221 coming from our position in the middle of the innings, so hopefully we can improve on this next time.
Shahid Afridi: The way the openers Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad played was good to see, and then the partnership between Misbah and Asad brought us home. The top order is in good form - that is good.
Watch out for
Dwayne Bravo: The all-rounder plays an important role in all the departments and his experience and advice will make a lot of difference to the team.
Saeed Ajmal:The off-spinner showed off his full repertoire of deliveries in the first ODI with desirable effect. WI will be dreading Ajmal in that sort of form.
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