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After an enthralling T20I series, Pakistan are ready to take on West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting from August 8 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. The visitors, after a clinical performance in the shortest format, are high on confidence and will be aiming to carry forward the momentum with the return of several experienced faces.
Pakistan eyeing ODI redemption as senior players return
Pakistan had a dismal time in ODI cricket recently. After a horrible group-stage exit in the Champions Trophy 2025 and a serious whitewash in New Zealand, the side is in desperate need of a turnaround. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, and with the valuable experience of Babar Azam, the team will be looking to rebuild and find a winning rhythm. With a combination of several seasoned players and fresh faces the Pakistan side are ready for a new challenge.
Pakistan’s top choice for playing XI for ODI series against West Indies:
1. Abdullah Shafique
- Role: Opening Batter
- Strength: Technique and temperament
- Expectations: Abdullah’s solid technique makes him ideal for anchoring the top order. He’ll be expected to lay the foundation against the new ball and bat deep into the innings.
2. Saim Ayub
- Role: Top-order Batter
- Strength: Left-handed flair and attacking mindset
- Expectations: Providing contrast at the top, Saim’s aggressive style can put pressure on West Indies’ pacers early. He’ll look to maximize the powerplay and complement Shafique’s calmness.
3. Babar Azam
- Role: Top-order Batter
- Strength: Control and consistency
- Expectations: A backbone of Pakistan’s batting, Babar brings experience, shot selection, and calmness. He will be key in building partnerships and navigating the middle overs.
4. Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
- Strength: Match awareness and leadership
- Expectations: Rizwan’s flexibility allows him to anchor or accelerate as needed. As captain, he’ll lead from the front in both tactical calls and intensity behind the stumps.
5. Salman Agha (Vice-Captain)
- Role: Batting All-rounder
- Strength: Middle-over stability and off-spin
- Expectations: Agha adds balance to the side with his calm batting and ability to chip in with off-spin, especially against left-handers in the middle overs.
6. Faheem Ashraf
- Role: Bowling All-rounder
- Strength: Seam bowling and late hitting
- Expectations: Faheem offers depth with both bat and ball. He’ll play the role of a finisher with the bat and provide control during the middle and death overs.
7. Mohammad Nawaz
- Role: All-rounder
- Strength: Left-arm spin and lower-order stability
- Expectations: A key spinning option in Caribbean conditions, Nawaz’s control and experience will be vital. His ability to score quick runs adds depth to the lower-middle order.
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8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strength: New-ball threat and lethal yorkers
- Expectations: Shaheen will be Pakistan’s strike bowler, expected to make early inroads and return in the death overs to shut down late surges.
9. Naseem Shah
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strength: Pace and aggression
- Expectations: With raw pace and natural bounce, Naseem will partner Shaheen with the new ball. His ability to break partnerships makes him a key figure.
10. Abrar Ahmed
- Role: Leg-spinner
- Strength: Mystery and control
- Expectations: With his variations and subtle turn, Abrar is a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs, especially against an aggressive West Indies lineup.
11. Hasan Ali
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strength: Experience and energy
- Expectations: Back in the side for his hustle and wicket-taking ability, Hasan’s knack for breaking partnerships and bringing energy in the field will be vital, especially during middle overs.
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