Pakistan fast bowler Hassan Ali shared his thoughts on the second ODI against West Indies, praising his bowling effort but admitting that a slightly higher total could have changed the outcome. In the latest Hassan Ali performance vs West Indies, the right-arm pacer took two crucial wickets and maintained an impressive economy rate, but Pakistan still fell short in the rain-affected match.
A Game of Fine Margins
Speaking to the media after the game, Hassan Ali said, “Our runs were a bit low in the second ODI. If we had managed 200 or 210, the result would have been different.” Pakistan scored 171 for 7 in 37 overs before rain halted play, and under the Duckworth-Lewis method, West Indies were given a revised target of 181 in 35 overs — which they chased down with ease.
The Hassan Ali performance vs West Indies stood out in the bowling department. He took two wickets for just 3.5 runs per over in his 6.2 overs, giving Pakistan early breakthroughs. But despite his efforts, strong batting from Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase took the game away from Pakistan.
Early Breakthroughs but No Finish
Pakistan started strongly with the ball. Hassan Ali dismissed Brandon King for just 1 run and sent Evin Lewis back to the pavilion for 7. These early wickets reduced West Indies to 11 for 2, raising hopes of defending the modest total.
However, as Hassan himself admitted, the partnership between Rutherford (45 off 33 balls) and Chase (49 off 47 balls) was decisive. The two counter-attacked and adapted well to the pitch conditions, effectively neutralizing Pakistan’s bowling threat in the middle overs.
Hassan Ali’s Bowling Figures
- Overs: 6.2
- Maidens: 0
- Runs: 23
- Wickets: 2
- Economy Rate: 3.63
These numbers highlight the consistency in the Hassan Ali performance vs West Indies, especially given the shorter format and reduced overs due to rain. His controlled swing bowling made scoring difficult in the powerplay, but Pakistan couldn’t maintain the same pressure after his initial spell.
Low Total Hurts Pakistan
Hassan Ali’s comments about the total being too low reflected a common view among fans and analysts. Pakistan’s batting struggled from the start, with key players like Babar Azam dismissed for a duck. Saim Ayub scored 23, Abdullah Shafique 26, and Mohammad Rizwan 16, while Hussain Talat made 31. Hassan Nawaz’s quick 36 helped Pakistan reach 171, but the rain disruption prevented them from building further.
In the modern ODI game, defending a score under 200 — even with good bowling — is a massive challenge. West Indies were able to pace their innings comfortably, knowing the required rate was manageable.
Focus on the Decider
Looking ahead to the third and final ODI in Trinidad, Hassan Ali said he was excited for the challenge: “I always want to contribute something for the team. It’s going to be a wonderful tour, and I’m looking forward to the next match.”
The series is currently tied 1-1, making the decider a crucial game for both teams. For Pakistan, it’s also a chance to recover lost ICC ranking points after slipping in the ODI standings.
West Indies Batting Strength
The Hassan Ali performance vs West Indies showed how important it is to take wickets early, but the Caribbean side’s batting depth proved decisive. Chase and Rutherford demonstrated their ability to handle pressure and play attacking shots when needed.
West Indies’ win also boosted their morale and ODI ranking, as they moved up to ninth place in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings. For a team fighting to secure direct qualification for major tournaments, victories like this carry extra weight.
What Pakistan Needs in the Final Match
To secure the series, Pakistan will need:
- A Solid Opening Partnership – Early stability to set a platform.
- Better Middle-Order Adaptation – Adjusting quickly to pitch conditions.
- Sustained Bowling Pressure – Building on early wickets with tighter middle overs.
- Capitalizing on Chances – Avoiding dropped catches or missed run-outs.
Hassan Ali’s role will again be vital. His ability to swing the ball early and dismiss top-order batters could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The Hassan Ali performance vs West Indies in the second ODI was a reminder of his value to the Pakistan team. His disciplined bowling gave Pakistan a fighting chance, but the lack of runs on the board ultimately tilted the match in the West Indies’ favor.
As Pakistan prepares for the deciding match, Hassan Ali’s mindset and form will be crucial. If the batting unit can give him and the other bowlers a defendable total, Pakistan will have every chance to win the series — and regain some much-needed momentum on the international stage.
