Pakistan vs West Indies 2018: 5 reasons why Pakistan could whitewash the Windies
Despite being the reigning World T20 champions, West Indies were defeated by Pakistan twice in the ongoing bilateral series in Karachi. The Windies were all out for 60, their lowest T20I total, with only three batsmen (Samuels, Paul and Emrit) scoring over two-digits in the first T20I. The second T20I was no different although the margin of defeat was reduced to 82 from 143.
In the first bilateral series in Pakistan after 9 years, the hosts dominated and registered the second biggest win in the history of T20Is in the first T20I and sealing the series in the next. "My boys are brilliant, and they have a great understanding of the game and as a result, they have performed well," said the winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, post the second T20I.
In the three consecutive T20I matches happening at the National Stadium in Karachi, here are 5 reasons why Pakistan would whitewash West Indies in this series -
#1 'Depleted' West Indian team
The biggest factor affecting the Windies and the bilateral series, on the whole, is the absence of the many T20 stars who make the format as interesting as it is. With Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, regular captain Craig Braithwaite, and Jason Holder missing the series, a depleted team headed by Jason Mohammed. The issues regarding security seem to haunt the visitors more than the hosts now.
This could've been a great stage to start for Andre McCarthy and Odean Smith who received their maiden call-up for the national side. However, the former didn't play the two matches, while the latter scored 6 runs and bowling figures of 1-40.
The chairman of PCB, Najam Sethi shut down the negative news of West Indies Cricket Board sending a 'depleted' team. He believes the series to be baby steps towards having international teams willing to tour Pakistan once again.