Pakistan slump to quick-fire defeat

Pakistan’s batting was undermined by West Indies’ three frontline seamers and their bowling upstaged by another blistering innings from Lendl Simmons in a 10-wicket loss in the fifth one-day international on Thursday.

A fluent 55 off 83 balls from Mohammad Hafeez failed to inspire the Pakistanis, and their batting crumbled for the first time in the series as they were all out for 139 in 41.2 overs after they chose to bat on an unpredictable Guyana National Stadium pitch.

The visitors’ bowlers found it difficult to defend such a modest target as Simmons hit a career-best, unbeaten 77 from 73 deliveries, and fellow opener Kirk Edwards supported with 40 from 71 ball to guide the hosts to victory with 159 balls remaining.

Pakistan however, won the five-match series 3-2, with comfortable victories in the first three matches, securing the result.

“It is a disappointing end to the series for us because it was not a pitch on which we should have been dismissed for 139,” said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.

“Our batting has been struggling for a long time, and I think we need someone to help us with situations like this.” PROVIDENCE, AFP