West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels celebrates after reaching his century in the 4th ODI against Pakistan at Beausejour Cricket Ground, in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, on Sunday. (AFP)

 

AFP/St Lucia

Inclement weather, the Duckworth/Lewis method and a lightning assault by Pakistan’s middle-order batsmen stole the thunder from the West Indies as the visitors snatched the rain-affected fourth ODI by six wickets on Sunday.

In a match already reduced to 49 overs-per-side and after Marlon Samuels blazed an unbeaten 106 in the home team’s total of 261 for seven, Pakistan were set a revised target of 189 off 31 overs as a second shower of the day interrupted play when they were 68 for two off 17 overs.

Needing a further 121 off 14 overs, half-centuries from Mohammad Hafeez and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq sped the visitors to the target with one over to spare. “It was like a T20 game,” said a delighted Misbah. “Hafeez and I realised that we just had to play normal cricketing shots and look for the odd boundary.”