GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia: Opener Ahmed Shehzad struck his second One-Day International hundred to anchor Pakistan to a confident seven-wicket victory over West Indies Monday. Shehzad hit seven fours and one six in his 102 from 148 balls as Pakistan successfully chased 221 for victory in the second ODI at the Beausejour Cricket Ground. Umar Akmal carried the visitors over the threshold with 12 balls remaining when he lofted a delivery from Dwayne Bravo to long-off for the final boundary of the match. The result means that Pakistan takes a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after winning the first game by eight wickets Saturday at the same ground. Pakistan has now won its last seven ODIs against West Indies, a sequence spread over the last four years. “We made a plan at our team meeting and our guys stuck to it and that was good,” said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. “Shehzad is a very talented guy and he showed that he is capable of performing. He took his time, but chasing a small total, he could afford to do that and we won the game. “I think our bowlers are doing a great job, and the fielding has improved because it is a very important area for us. Our batting has shown responsibility and we hope to maintain this discipline right throughout the series.” The visitors' spin bowling trio of Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez and Afridi had dominated on another docile pitch. After Pakistan chose to field, West Indies was dismissed for 220 in their 50 overs – one less than the total it made in the first ODI. Ajmal, Hafeez and Afridi shared six wickets for 102 runs in 30 overs between them, and only West Indies opener Lendl Simmons looked close to getting on top of them, leading the way with 51 from 48 balls, which included four fours and two sixes. “We didn't make use of the key moments in the match,” said West Indies captain Darren Sammy. – Agence France
