Kamran Akmal and Muhammad Hafeez made it easier to get a total of 239 for Pakistanis. Kamran Akmal who was brought up the order again played superb shots all around providing a solid start to Pakistan in the final match of series. Pakistan has won the series by 3-1.
Both the openers looked in good form and they started off very well. Kamran was aggressive and Hafeez was impressive on the other end. They punished the West Indian attack mercilessly. Akmal hit some wonderful boundaries in the gaps and over the fielders to reach his maiden fifty in ODIs at about run a ball speed. He was caught at leg side playing a leg glance. It was his maiden fifty as he crossed the milestone of 100 three times previously whenever he was able to make a fifty.
After the dismissal of Akmal, Yasir Hameed came and established a well needed partnership with Hafeez at required pace. Run rate was already below 5 and all they had to do was to bat with concentration building a partnership and they were succeeded at the end. Hafeez was unlucky to make his century. He got lbw 8 runs short of 100. Yasir had already gone back to pavilion.
Earlier West Indies were able to score 238 runs which was build over the century of Shivnarine Chanderpaul. He played well securing one end and scoring runs as well. They were unable to built partnerships and lost wickets periodically. Even then it was a good and defend able total.
Rana Naveed was declared as Man of Match. He got four wickets in this match. He was also announced as man of series due to good performance with ball. Abdul Rehman is no doubt a new find in this series. Pakistan has witnessed a real spinner after a very long time. He has a bright carrier ahead if he works hard. He has ability not only to contain but he can strike and get wickets if utilized properly by the captain.
Inzamam was a happy winning captain after winning both test and one day series. He said,
“The credit goes to the players and they did very well to help us achieve the series win. It would help boost our confidence ahead of the South Africa tour and the World Cup next year”