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West Indies
Pakistan
West Indies are set to host Pakistan in the opening ODI of their three-match series on Friday at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.
The home side will be looking to start strong and bounce back from recent disappointments. Captain Shai Hope will want his team to put together a more complete performance with both bat and ball to set the tone for the rest of the series.
Pakistan, on the other hand, come into this match with a point to prove in the 50-over format. After winning just two of their nine ODIs this year, skipper Mohammad Rizwan will be eager to lead from the front and field a balanced XI for this crucial series opener.
Historically, the West Indies hold a narrow edge in head-to-head encounters, winning 71 of the 137 ODIs played between the two nations. Pakistan have claimed 63 victories, while three matches have ended in a tie.
Babarβs consistency in ODIs makes him a strong pick for top run-scorer.
The betting tip is...
Top Pakistan Batter β Babar Azam
61 %
39 %
West IndiesPakistanWest Indies head into the ODI series as the underdogs, mainly due to their recent struggles against Pakistan in the 50-over format.
Following their defeat in the T20I series, the hosts will be eager to lift their game and start this series on a positive note.
With the bat, the pressure will be on skipper Shai Hope to lead from the front. Heβll need strong support from openers Brandon King and Jewel Andrews, while the middle order will depend on Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, and Roston Chase to build partnerships and post a competitive total.
In the bowling department, the pace attack featuring Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Justin Greaves will be expected to set the tone.
Spin duties will fall to Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie, whoβll aim to keep things tight and strike at key moments.
Predicted Lineup: Shai Hope (c & wk), Jewel Andrews, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales.
Pakistan will be looking to make a fresh start in the ODI format, and much will depend on their experienced batting unit to deliver in the opening clash.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan will be expected to anchor the innings, with vice-captain Salman Agha, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, and Faheem Ashraf forming a solid core to build around. This top and middle order will be tasked with setting a strong platform or chasing down targets with authority.
With the ball, the pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Faheem Ashraf will lead the attack, aiming to strike early and often.
In the spin department, Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Muqeem will play key roles in controlling the middle overs and breaking partnerships.
Predicted Lineup: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Muqeem, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan come into this match with a stronger squad and better recent form in ODIs. Their top order looks solid with Rizwan and Babar, while the pace trio adds bite with the new ball.
West Indies, despite home advantage, have been inconsistent. Unless their top order clicks early, they could struggle. Back Pakistan to win, with Shaheen Afridi likely to be the standout with the ball.
