Misbah guides Pakistan to four-wicket victory over Windies, seals ODI series 3-1

Misbah-ul-Haq was adjudged both Player of the Match and Player of the Series

Misbah-ul-Haq guided Pakistan to a four-wicket victory over West Indies in the 5th and final ODI at St Lucia to seal the series 3-1.

The Pakistani captain, who is the current leading ODI run scorer of 2013, scored his fourth half century in the final ODI of the five-match series while opener Ahmad Shehzad also scored a vital 64 off 100 balls. Misbah scored a steady 63 off 93 balls before falling to Holder in the last over when trying to hit the winning runs.

Pakistan needed 83 from the final 12 overs, and towards the end of the game, the asking rate rose up. However, it was Umar Akmal who kept the score board ticking as he scored 37 off 28 balls.

Earlier West Indies scored 242 after late assault by the lower middle order. Junaid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan except for the last over when Sammy went after him.

West Indies had managed to scored 64 from their last five overs, but Misbah’s calmness and Akmal’s aggression was enough to overcome the West Indies total of 242.

Misbah told the post-match presentation: “It is very satisfying after losses in the Champions Trophy and after losing the series in South Africa earlier this year; this was a much needed win for us.”

Misbah-ul-Haq was adjudged Man of the Match and Man of the series as well.

The two team are now scheduled to play two Twenty20 internationals at Kingstown on this weekend.