Hasan Ali’s Costly Spell Proves Decisive as Pakistan Lose Thriller to West Indies in 2nd T20I

Hasan Ali’s Costly Spell Proves Decisive as Pakistan Lose Thriller to West Indies in 2nd T20I

Lauderhill, August 3, 2025 – In a match that swung like a pendulum, Pakistan’s narrow two-wicket defeat to West Indies in the 2nd T20I came down to one critical factor: Hasan Ali’s expensive bowling at the death. Despite a valiant effort from Pakistan’s spinners, Hasan’s 48-run spell (4 overs, 0 wickets, economy 12.00)—including 32 runs in his final two overs—proved the difference as Jason Holder smashed the winning boundary off the last ball25.

The Turning Point: Hasan Ali’s Meltdown in the Death Overs

Pakistan had the game firmly in control after their spinners—Mohammad Nawaz (3/14), Saim Ayub (2/20), and Sufiyan Muqeem (1/19)—strangled West Indies, reducing them to 79/6 in 14 overs. With 56 needed off 30 balls, victory seemed unlikely for the hosts.

But Hasan Ali’s 18th over changed everything:

• 19 runs conceded, including a six and a four by Romario Shepherd.

• A no-ball and a wide, adding extra deliveries to the over.

• Shepherd’s six off a slower ball brought West Indies back into the game45.

In the penultimate over (19th), Shaheen Afridi kept things tight, but the damage was already done. West Indies needed just 8 off the last 6 balls, and despite Afridi’s best efforts, Holder sealed the win with a boundary off the final delivery

Why Hasan Ali’s Performance Hurt Pakistan

• Lack of Variations: Unlike Afridi, who mixed yorkers and slower balls effectively, Hasan relied on predictable back-of-length deliveries, which were easily dispatched.

• No Wicket Threat: Despite being a strike bowler, Hasan failed to take a single wicket, while Pakistan’s spinners claimed 6/53 in 12 overs5.

• Recent Form Concerns: This isn’t an isolated incident—Hasan had also been expensive in the T20 Blast (0/48 vs WI, 1/15 vs Derbyshire), raising questions over his consistency14.

Captain Salman Agha’s Post-Match Reaction

Pakistan’s skipper admitted:

"We didn’t bat well in the Powerplay and couldn’t finish well. Defending 133, the bowlers fought hard, but we need to improve our death bowling."4

What’s Next for Pakistan?

With the series now level 1-1, the final T20I is set for August 4 in Lauderhill. Pakistan must address:

1. Powerplay Batting (21/3 in the first 4 overs).

2. Death Bowling (Hasan’s economy vs spinners’ dominance).

3. Handling Pressure (losing after having WI at 79/6).

Final Verdict

While Jason Holder (4/19 & match-winning 16*) was the star, Hasan Ali’s costly spell undid Pakistan’s spin brilliance. If Pakistan are to clinch the series, they must either bench Hasan or demand better execution in the decider.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, India Today (Synthesized from match reports).