After an impressive showing to win the first three games in the Digicel Home Series, Pakistan suffered their second defeat in front of a sold out crowd at the National Stadium, Providence in the 5th and final One Day International. After winning the toss Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi elected to bat first in hopes of putting up a formidable total. The pitch at providence however proved to be in the favour of the West Indian medium pace bowlers. Very early in the innings there were signs of uneven bounce making it difficult for the visitors to settle and put runs on the board. That proved to be their undoing as Trinidadian medium pacer Ravi Rampaul continued his impressive bowling by varying his pace and taking 4 wickets for a mere 45 runs. The only Pakistan batsman who actually got into a rhythm was all rounder and man of the series Mohammed Hafeez who made 55. Only two other batsmen from the visiting side scored double figures; Umar Akmal who made 24 and 21 year old Mohammed Salman who was unbeaten on 16.
The bowling attack was led by Rampaul but the West Indian captain Darren Sammy also played his part by taking 3 wickets, Dwayne Bravo chipped in by trapping 2 Pakistanis leg before wicket and local spinner Davendra Bishoo did his part by taking 1 wicket. Pakistan did not get the chance to establish a strong partnership after loosing their first wicket for only 16 and were bowled out for 139.
The West Indian openers Lyndel Simmons and Keith Edwards made light work of the 140 target and treated the packed National Stadium to some fireworks completing the run chase in just 23.3 overs. Simmons, who was judged the man of the match, finished on 77 while Edwards made 40. <br><br>In the final analysis the Windies may have salvaged some pride and after the convincing victory may have also gained some momentum. The question remains however if they would be able to continue along that vein for the 1st test match at the same venue. With the addition of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and a pitch friendly to the bowling attack West Indian fans are yearning for another victory.
By Andrew Ross