Centurion Malik, Hafeez lead Pakistan to ODI series win against Windies
A sublime Shoaib Malik century and equally responsible knock from Mohammad Hafeez inspired Pakistan to a six-wicket win in the third and final one-day against the West Indies at the Providence Stadium, in Guyana, on Tuesday. Pakistan also clinched the series 2-1.
Chasing 234, Pakistan were reeling at 36-3 when Malik joined Hafeez in a decisive partnership of 113 in 128 balls to tilt the balance in favour of the tourists, who protected their 26-year unbeaten streak against the West Indies and also remained eighth in the ICC team rankings.
Man of the match Malik ended the game in style by completing a ninth ODI hundred by hoisting West Indies captain Jason Holder for a six. Malik’s 111-ball effort included 10 fours and two sixes.
Hafeez scored 81 off 86 balls with eight fours and two sixes after the in-form Babar Azam was among three casualties upfront, edging Shannon Gabriel on to the stumps for 16. Earlier Kamran Akmal scooped a catch to covers on the first ball of the chase and Ahmed Shehzad was brilliantly held low to his right by Shai Hope. It was then left to Malik and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed (24) to see Pakistan home with 41 balls left in an unbroken stand of 87.