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Babar Azam's Duck Headlines Pakistan's Loss As Jayden Seales 3-Fer Levels Series 1-1

Soumyajit Dutta

Jayden Seales removes Babar Azam [Source: @BhttDNSH100/X.com]Jayden Seales removes Babar Azam [Source: @BhttDNSH100/X.com]

A disciplined bowling performance followed by composed middle-order batting guided West Indies to a morale-boosting five-wicket victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected second ODI, levelling the three-match series 1-1. 

The hosts chased down a revised target of 181 in 35 overs with 10 balls to spare, registering their first ODI win against Pakistan since the 2019 World Cup. Let's take a look at how the match panned out at the Brian Lara Stadium.

Jayden Seales' Fiery Spell Sets the Tone

The foundation for the West Indies' victory was laid by pacer Jayden Seales, who delivered a match-turning double-wicket maiden in his opening spell. The 23-year-old first removed dangerous opener Saim Ayub (23) in the third ball of his spell, before cleaning up Pakistan's linchpin Babar Azam for a duck in the same over.

Seales' sensational burst of 3/23 in 7 overs, including 2 maidens, derailed Pakistan's top order and set the tone for the innings. His ability to extract movement off the pitch and maintain relentless accuracy proved too much for the visitors' batting lineup.

Pakistan Stutter Against Spin

After Seales' early strikes, Pakistan struggled to build momentum against West Indies' varied attack. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (1/31) outfoxed captain Mohammad Rizwan (16) with a straight delivery, while part-timer Roston Chase accounted for Hussain Talat (31). 

Jediah Blades and Shamar Joseph provided crucial support, restricting Pakistan to 171/7 in 37 overs before rain ended their innings prematurely. Hasan Nawaz's late cameo provided some respectability, but the total always appeared below par.

Chase, Rutherford Steer Tense Chase For WI

West Indies' reply began shakily to chase 181 in 35 overs (revised DLS target) as Hasan Ali (2/35) removed both openers inside four overs. However, Sherfane Rutherford's counter-attacking 45 off 33 balls shifted momentum decisively. The powerful left-hander targeted Pakistan's spinners, smashing three sixes in his whirlwind knock. 

When Rutherford fell, Roston Chase took charge with an unbeaten 49 off 47 deliveries, showcasing his trademark composure under pressure. Supported by Justin Greaves, Chase guided the hosts home.

Now, with the series tantalizingly poised at 1-1, both teams will head into the final ODI with everything to play for. West Indies will look to build on this momentum, while Pakistan must address their batting inconsistencies to avoid a rare series defeat.