Masks are not a strange thing anymore, to the world, as the COVID-19 pandemic made it a ‘new normal. The pandemic certainly affected each individual on the earth, and sports, cricket particularly, is not an exception.
When sporting events started again, after a rough phase of the pandemic, the players had to follow a strict and hectic bio-bubble routine and follow all the COVID protocols on their way. They had to wear masks off the field, and sometimes even in the dugout.
After two years of the pandemic, the set of rules has now changed and most of the tours are going on without the bio-bubble procedures. However, the West Indies players were seen fielding with their masks on, against Pakistan, in Multan, during the third game of the three-match series.
During the 1st innings of the game, a severe dust storm turned up in Multan. The 33rd over was going on and the play was discontinued for more than an hour. Although the storm relieved, the dust was still in the air, so, West Indian players decided to field with the face masks on.
https://twitter.com/ShaniHere007/status/1535995131043643393?s=20&t=EhimRidcpw_hTwXbvf9dFg
Akeal Hosein moves backwards to pull off an impressive catch 🤲#PAKvWI | #KhelAbhiBaqiHai pic.twitter.com/bWs4BNndJQ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 12, 2022
Pakistan inflict a whitewash over West Indies
The storm was the reason for the reduced overs of the game. The 50-overs game was reduced to 48 overs for each side. Besides, Pakistan, batting first, posted a decent total of 269 for 9. Allrounder Shadab Khan scored a much-needed knock of 86 off 78 deliveries, after Imam-ul-Haq’s impressive fifty. For West Indies, surprisingly Nicholas Pooran picked up a four-wicket haul.
West Indies, in reply, couldn’t sustain for long as, Akeal Hosein’s efforts ended up in a losing cause; he scored 60 runs in just 37 deliveries and yes, it was a One-Day International game.
For Pakistan, everyone joined the party, but Shadab Khan excelled again. Khan too managed a four-wicket haul and was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ award. Pakistan won the game by 53 runs and the series, 3-0.
Written By Prachi Pisal
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