After a closely fought T20I series, Pakistan are set to take on West Indies in a 3-match ODI series, starting with the first game at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Friday at 11:00 PM (PST), 11:30 AM (GMT), and 5:00 AM (IST – Saturday). Pakistan, fresh off their T20 series win, will be eager to start the 50-over leg on a winning note and build momentum ahead of the ICC events next year.
Team Overview and Form
West Indies:
The Caribbean side has been struggling in the ODI format. Their last 50-over outing came in June against England, where they were handed a 3-0 whitewash. Consistency in both batting and bowling has been an issue, and the selectors have brought in a mix of experience and young talent in a bid to bounce back.
Shai Hope continues to lead the side, and his experience in anchoring innings will be vital. Keacy Carty and Sherfane Rutherford are expected to play key roles in the middle order, while Brandon King and Evin Lewis will need to provide solid starts at the top. In the bowling department, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales will be key pace options, supported by spinners Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein.
Pakistan:
Pakistan come into this match with confidence, having clinched the T20I series 2-1. With a number of senior players returning for the ODIs, the team looks more balanced and experienced. Babar Azam, back to lead the side, will reunite with Mohammad Rizwan, bringing stability and class to the top order.
Pakistan’s bowling attack looks strong as well, with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Ali forming a potent pace trio, while Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz will lead the spin attack. Young talent Hasan Nawaz has received his first ODI call-up after impressing in the T20Is.
Key Players to Watch
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Babar Azam (PAK): Returning to captaincy duties, Babar will be crucial in holding the innings together and providing the foundation for a big score.
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Shai Hope (WI): As captain and wicketkeeper, Hope carries the responsibility of both leading and anchoring the innings.
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Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK): His early breakthroughs can tilt the game in Pakistan’s favour quickly.
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Alzarri Joseph (WI): The leader of West Indies’ pace attack, Joseph will aim to test Pakistan’s top order.
Probable Playing XIs
West Indies (Expected XI):
Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (C & WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales
Pakistan (Expected XI):
Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Mohammad Haris, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed
Head-to-Head Record
West Indies hold a slight edge over Pakistan in ODIs, having won 71 out of the 137 matches played between the two sides. Pakistan have won 63, while 3 matches ended in a tie. However, in recent years, Pakistan have dominated this rivalry across formats.
Toss Prediction
The Brian Lara Stadium has only hosted one ODI so far, and the team chasing won that match. Given the possibility of rain interruptions, the team winning the toss is likely to opt for bowling first.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at Brian Lara Stadium is expected to offer slow, dry conditions with variable bounce. Spinners will enjoy grip and turn, especially in the second innings. Batters will need time to settle in before playing their shots. Overcast weather is predicted, and rain could play a spoilsport, adding another layer of strategy around the toss.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Pakistan are favourites to win this opening ODI. With the return of key players like Babar and Rizwan, and their recent T20 success, the Men in Green appear well-equipped for the challenge. West Indies, on the other hand, will need to overcome their recent ODI woes and produce a disciplined performance in all departments.
Win Probability: Pakistan 61% – West Indies 39%
Today’s Match Prediction: Pakistan to win
Live Streaming and Broadcast
Fans in Pakistan can catch the live action on the FanCode App.