Pak vs WI 3rd ODI: Pakistan win the series by registering a 3-0 clean sweep

Pooran's captaincy stint began with a 3-0 series win against the Netherlands, and here they are now, humbled by the same margin. They looked quite inexperienced, losing matches that carried the scope of their wins. 

Nicholas Pooran's four-wicket haul to vain owing to Shadab's 86

Pakistan, on winning the toss, looked to bat first. The openers, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, stitched an 85-run stand. While the bowlers were struggling to get the breakthrough, skipper Nicholas Pooran donned the hat of being a bowler and bowled out Fakhar Zaman (35) as the first breakthrough for the team. Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq continued his sublime touch with the bat to score his 7th consecutive 50-plus score in ODIs. Hayden Walsh dismissed the crucial Babar Azam for one run in an LBW. Pakistan then suddenly looked to lose their way, finding it difficult to face an unexpected bowler in the form of Pooran as he bagged four wickets, conceding just 48 runs. However, their lower order helped them get back into the game as Khushdil Shah, and Shadab Khan built 84 runs in partnership. Shadab Khan played top-class innings, scoring 86 in 78 balls to take Pakistan to a respectable total of 269 at the loss of 9 wickets in 48 overs. 

Shadab Khan ruled Multan pitch with a four-fer

In response, West Indies had a very disappointing start, losing their top-three in 11 overs. Shahnawaz Dahani was the first to get the breakthrough and his first ODI wicket. Pacers were at their best in the start to keep Indies’ batters on the back foot. When power-hitters like Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell took to the field, spinners flourished as both the batters fell for Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, respectively. Akeal Hosein played convincingly well, looking to steer the inning in the teams' favour; however, he didn't find a supporting partnership as bowlers were chipping perfectly in with a wicket at regular intervals. Hosein bought his maiden ODI half-century as he scored 60 off 37 but lost his wicket to Shadab Khan. Hosts were completely in dominating state as they bundled out visitors for 216 in 37.2 overs. 

Imam-ul-Haq received Player of the series, whereas Shadab Khan won Player of the match as he contributed 86 runs with the bat, followed by a four-wicket haul in the next inning. On winning the award, he said, "It's tough after an injury, but I have done well in the last two games with both bat and ball. The talk with Khushdil was to take it as deep as possible. Glad that we were able to execute that. I bowled better in the first two games than today. Hopefully, I'll be able to improve."

Men in green celebrated at Multan with a 3-0 series win as they are now placed fourth in the Super League standings while West Indies remain at fifth. Pakistan now has their next series against the Netherlands in August, whereas West Indies have an upcoming home series against Bangladesh commencing on 16th June 2022.