West Indies vs. Pakistan 5th ODI: Five players to watch out for

Pakistan and West Indies carry the reputation of being the two most unpredictable sides in the world and they played to that tag during the course of this five-match series that oscillated with every game.

The last contest of the five-match series can give Pakistan a much-needed series victory after their disappointing display at the Champions Trophy whereas West Indies can grind out a hard-fought draw with a victory in this game.

Pakistan were slightly fortunate to come out at the right-end of the previous encounter that was interrupted by rain but there were a number of positives for the West Indies.

West Indies tweaked the batting line-up promoting Devon Smith to the top-of-the-order while moving Chris Gayle to the middle order sending the signal that consistent performances are required from all players.

Marlon Samuels, who had spent some valuable time in the middle in the exciting third ODI that ended as a tie hit, form scoring a magnificent century against a quality bowling attack whereas Lendl Simmons fired with the bat once again.

Pakistan, on the other hand, still suffered as the openers could not contribute significantly to the total. Md. Hafeez brought his drought of runs to an end scoring a half-century that proved to be match-winning in the context of the game.

Misbah-ul-Haq continued his fight as the leaders of the side scoring his 3rd half-century in the series. Pakistan will be the favourites going into the last and deciding match but they will be up against an increasingly competitive West Indian unit albeit under pressure to prevent another defeat at home this year.

Here is a list of five players who will play a critical role in the fifth ODI: