ICC World Cup 2019 | Andre Russell’s spell was the turning point, says Sarfaraz Ahmed

Pakistan were bundled out for 105 inside 22 overs, which was chased down by the Windies in 14 overs. Their batting crumbled like ninepins and looked bereft of oomph against the pumped Windies’ attack. Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has said that Russell’s spell turned the game on its head for Pakistan. 

"Pressure was built when we lost our first wicket in the fourth over. His [Russell's] spell was the turning point. He took two wickets and that put us on the back foot ," said Sarfaraz, reported ESPNCricinfo.

Russell last played an ODI in July 2018 but has announced himself on the big stage and will hold the key for Windies. The Caribbean all-rounder got the better of Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail to break Pakistan’s spine in his spell of three overs for four. Pakistan lost too many wickets in the first ten overs, which didn’t allow them to make a comeback.    

"First ten overs we lost too many wickets, and that's why we could not come back into the game. We were aware of the West Indies fast bowlers, and that they bowl 90-plus . We had practised a lot [against that kind of bowling]. It is just that in the first ten overs, our shot selection was not good and we lost wickets. If we had managed to survive that phase then probably the situation could have been different."