Pooran ready to compete against Pakistan with 'talented' West Indies side

Stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran opined that his 'talented' West Indies side is ready to compete against Pakistan as both sides meet each other today in the first match of the limited-overs series at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The first T20I of the three-match series is slated to start at 6.00 pm. West Indies lost three players Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers and Sheldon Cottrell as they tested positive for Covid-19 but Pooran is confident of putting up a great show against a strong Pakistan side.

“It is obviously a new stage for us now. It's unfortunate that we don't have all the senior players here. But in saying that, I am very excited to see this new crop of players get on to the cricket field. I believe that there's a lot of talented players here, a lot of special players, especially when it comes to the shorter format,” Pooran said in a pre-series virtual presser.

“For me, you know, I'm looking forward to seeing us play together, stick into our plans as much as possible. There's been hungry for success,” Pooran said.

On the other hand, the 26-year-old praised the Pakistan team's performances but believes that T20 cricket is a game of margins and any side can come at the top in the end.

"Pakistan is playing really good. They had a really good World Cup and a really good 2021. But in having said that, in T20 Cricket, you always have a chance,” he said.

“I don't see my side as inexperienced or that guys haven't been a lot of t20 Cricket. They're highly talented and in T20 Cricket, it is anyone game. It just takes one individual to have a brilliant game getting the results in our favour,” he maintained.

“Pakistan is a top team in international cricket, right now. Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are at top of the game. But it takes one good ball to get someone out and you know we're looking forward to that kind of thing you know any player.l can have bad games. So, if we can stay confident then you know things can go away,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pooran was in awe of the batting performances of Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

“Babar has been one of the best players in the world, it's always a pleasure to learn something from his book,” Pooran said.

“Babar and Rizwan have been fantastic this year. They actually show the world how good they are as batters and they actually show batsmanship. A lot of other people looking on in the world would have seen something special this year from both of them,” he concluded.