Captain Pooran focused on the positives despite series sweep by Pakistan
Nicholas Pooran, leading his second tour as West Indies White-ball Captain, focuses on the positives in player’s performance during the recent three-match ODI series in Pakistan.
Pakistan managed a series sweep over the West Indies in their recent three-match ODI series in Multan.
On Sunday, Captain Nicholas Pooran excelled in an unfamiliar role, though it was not enough to prevent a whitewash to Pakistan.
Pooran said, “The positive is definitely the different characters shown by the players, especially coming out here in 45 degrees temperatures. A lot of guys got sick as well but we keep fighting.”
“A lot of people will be upset that we lost, a lot of people will bash us as well that we lost. But, to me, I felt like we got really close as a team and this is my second tour as captain and I feel like we’re really building a family here and that’s a positive we’re going to take.”
Pooran attacked Pakistan’s middle-order and took out four of Pakistan’s top-order batsmen. Pooran’s 4 for 48 spearheaded his side’s attack, while Keemo Paul claimed two for 57 in his first series appearance.
The West Indies eventually fell to Pakistan's strong lower middle-order batting, and the match ended with Pakistan 53 runs ahead.
Captain Pooran also highlighted a number of players who performed well throughout the series.
“You know (Shai) Hope leading with the bat and Alzarri (Joseph) leading with the ball, Akeal (Hosein) again showing that he’s world class, Shamarh Brooks is coming into his own. There’s a lot of positives, Keemo Paul is back in the team as well and he did well today. Young Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip.”
“Despite the results, we had a good showing, especially the first game. I think looking forward we’re definitely going to be winning some games and hopefully make you guys proud.”
Pakistan has now secured the fourth position in the super league with 90 points in 15 ODIs, with 9 matches still to be played.
In West Indies' next engagement, they will host Bangladesh for two tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs from June 16th to July 16th.
(CWI)
