Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted his side faces a selection dilemma over the fifth bowling option ahead of Tuesday’s ODI series decider against West Indies. The uncertainty follows Sunday’s five-wicket defeat in the second one-day international, which levelled the three-match series 1-1.
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In a rain-shortened contest, Pakistan posted a competitive 171-7 in 37 overs, but West Indies chased the target with ease. Part-time bowlers Saim Ayub and Salman Agha struggled, conceding a combined 66 runs in seven wicketless overs.
“You could say our fifth bowler gave away too many runs, but in recent years, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub have both bowled well for us,” Rizwan said post-match. “Saim didn’t have the best day today, but he performed well in the T20Is. That’s just part of the game.”
Rizwan also pointed to unpredictable weather as a challenge, with multiple rain interruptions affecting momentum. “Honestly, the weather forecast has been completely different from expectations, and it’s hard to read,” he noted.
The Pakistan skipper confirmed that team management will keep their options open until match day. “We’ll finalise the XI after assessing the conditions,” he added, as Pakistan looks to bounce back and secure the series in Tuesday’s decider.
