As Pakistan and West Indies gear up for the first Test match of their much-anticipated series, cricket fans are set for a thrilling encounter at the Multan Cricket Stadium from January 17 to 21, 2025. This match marks the return of the West Indies to Pakistani soil for a Test series after nearly two decades, adding historical significance to the contest.
Match Details:
- Date: January 17-21, 2025
- Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
- Start Time: 10:30 AM local time
Team Overviews:
Pakistan enters the series with a robust squad, brimming with a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Under the leadership of Shan Masood, Pakistan has shown consistent performance in recent years, especially in home conditions where spin-friendly pitches play to their strengths.
West Indies, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, is coming off a challenging year but remains a formidable opponent. Known for their resilience, the Caribbean team will look to capitalize on their pace attack and a promising middle order to challenge the home side.
Key Players:
Pakistan:
- Babar Azam: Despite not captaining, Babar remains a key batsman in the lineup.
- Shan Masood: The captain will be pivotal at the top of the order.
- Abrar Ahmed: A rising spinner who can exploit the pitch conditions.
West Indies:
- Kraigg Brathwaite: The captain’s leadership and batting at the top will be vital.
- Joshua Da Silva: As vice-captain and wicketkeeper, his dual role will be crucial.
- Kemar Roach: The experienced pacer will lead the bowling attack.
Head to Head:
In Test cricket, Pakistan and West Indies have faced each other numerous times. Historically, West Indies dominated in the earlier years, but Pakistan has had the upper hand in recent encounters, especially in home conditions. Their last Test series was in 2021, where Pakistan clinched a close victory.
Probable Playing XI:
Pakistan:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Saud Shakeel (vc)
- Mohammad Huraira
- Babar Azam
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Kamran Ghulam
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Sajid Khan
- Noman Ali
- Abrar Ahmed
West Indies:
- Kraigg Brathwaite (c)
- Joshua Da Silva (vc)
- Alick Athanaze
- Keacy Carty
- Justin Greaves
- Amir Jangoo (wk)
- Gudakesh Motie
- Kemar Roach
- Kevin Sinclair
- Jomel Warrican
- Jayden Seales
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report:
The Multan Cricket Stadium is known for its batting-friendly pitches, especially in the first few days. However, as the match progresses, spinners are expected to come into play, making it a balanced track for both batsmen and bowlers. The dry conditions in Multan typically aid reverse swing, which could be a significant factor for both sides.
Probable Scenarios:
- Day 1-2: Expect batsmen to dominate as the pitch will likely offer minimal movement for bowlers.
- Day 3-4: Spinners will start to find assistance, making middle-order partnerships crucial.
- Day 5: The pitch could break down, offering turn and variable bounce, making it a challenging final day.
Match Predictions:
Given the home advantage and the conditions, Pakistan holds a slight edge over West Indies. Their strong batting lineup, combined with a potent spin attack, makes them favorites. However, if the West Indies pace attack, led by Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, can exploit early conditions, they could turn the tables.
Prediction: Pakistan is likely to win, but expect a hard-fought contest with individual brilliance from both sides. Key battles such as Babar Azam versus Kemar Roach and Shan Masood against Kraigg Brathwaite will be pivotal.
This first Test promises to be an exciting start to the series, setting the tone for the matches to follow. Fans can look forward to a blend of strategic play, thrilling performances, and the rekindling of a classic cricketing rivalry.