GROS ISLET (St Lucia), May 20: Pakistan will be eagerly looking forward to wrap up their first-ever one-day series in the Caribbean when they take on West Indies in the second One-day International at the picturesque Beausejour Stadium on Saturday. Pakistan, who will be making their debut at this venue, are in a buoyant mood to mark the occasion with another efficient performance after winning the first one-dayer in St Vincent on Wednesday by a convincing margin of 59 runs despite making a modest total of 192.

The visitors won a tri-series here in 2000 under Moin Khan by beating Zimbabwe in the final. But this will be their first series triumph against the West Indies away from home.

Pakistan are almost certain to go into the match with the same side which played in the opening encounter.

However, while Pakistan’s bowling was simply outstanding with all-rounder Abdul Razzaq leading the way with four wickets, it is their batting which struggled on a low track.

The conditions here in Gros Islet appeared similar because of recent rains.

Like anywhere else, Shahid Afridi and skipper Inzamamul Haq are popular figures and cricket fans are looking forward to see their firework.

West Indies have generally struggled all season but they can bounce back provided they show the same dedication as they did while bowling on Wednesday.

For a long time, the West Indian batting has been the biggest worry despite having the services of attractive left handed opener Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and the two Dwaynes, Bravo and Smith.

Gayle has established himself as a good one-day all-rounder. He took three important wickets in the first game to restrict Pakistan and needs just one more scalp to reach the milestone of 100 wickets.

History backs the hosts at this venue. They beat England in the two high-scoring matches last May.

Meanwhile, light showers greeted both teams when they arrived here by different flights on Thursday and more rain was expected on Friday as well that could deny them practice.

The 160,000-population country, spread over an area of 238 square kilometres, is in the grip of cricket-fever despite West Indies’ indifferent form in the past few months. Around 30 chartered flights carrying the home supporters from different parts of the islands are expected to arrive for the match.

The two teams clash here on Sunday in the third and final One-day International.

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