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The 2025 ODI series between West Indies and Pakistan is set to ignite fierce competition starting from August 8, hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. Coming off a tense 2-1 defeat in the preceding T20I series, the West Indies are keen to bounce back strongly against a formidable Pakistani side featuring notable stars like Mohammad Rizwan and the returning Babar Azam. This series is not just about pride but also vital ranking points that shape qualification prospects for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan dominate the tour with an easy T20I series win
Pakistan showcased exceptional grit and skill during their recent tour, clinching the 3-match T20I series 2-1 over the West Indies. Their pace attack, strengthened by the quick returns of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, consistently challenged the Windies’ batting lineup. The presence of experienced leaders like captain Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha proved pivotal both tactically and mentally. Pakistan’s batting depth, featuring the likes of Azam, despite the latter’s comeback after injury, ensured competitive totals and successful chases. Their ability to adapt quickly to Caribbean conditions and execute plans under pressure was evident throughout the games. This momentum makes Pakistan strong favourites heading into the ODI leg, but also pushes West Indies to innovate and harness their squad depth.
Also READ: Sahibzada Farhan sizzles as Pakistan beat West Indies in the 3rd T20I to clinch series
West Indies’ top choice for playing XI for ODI series against Pakistan:
- Shai Hope (Captain)
- Role: Leader, middle-order batter, and wicketkeeper
- Strength: Composed innings builder with the ability to anchor the innings under pressure; excellent behind the stumps
- Expectations: To provide stability to the batting lineup, guide young players, and keep wickets efficiently; pivotal in setting the tone for the team’s innings.
- Evin Lewis
- Role: Aggressive opening batter
- Strength: Explosive stroke play, capable of unsettling bowlers with fast starts
- Expectations: To provide a powerful platform by scoring quickly in the powerplay and putting Pakistan’s bowlers on the back foot.
- Jewel Andrew
- Role: Young opener/top-order stabilizer
- Strength: Good technique, ability to rotate strike and build innings methodically
- Expectations: To provide a steady start along with Lewis and build partnerships; a promising talent for consistency.
- Brandon King
- Role: Middle-order batter
- Strength: Combines power-hitting with the ability to anchor the innings; experience in international and Caribbean conditions
- Expectations: To control the middle overs, accelerate as required, and convert starts into big scores.
- Amir Jangoo
- Role: Aggressive batter down the order and a secondary wicketkeeper
- Strength: Recent ODI debut ton shows capability for big performances; adds depth to both batting and wicketkeeping
- Expectations: To provide momentum in the late overs and relieve pressure on Hope from wicketkeeping duties.
- Roston Chase
- Role: Middle-order batter and off-spin bowler
- Strength: Dependable run scorer in crucial phases; can break partnerships with bowling
- Expectations: To balance the team with his dual skills, provide stability in batting, and contain runs with spin.
- Jayden Seales
- Role: Main pace spearhead
- Strength: Ability to generate pace and bounce; proven match-winner at international level
- Expectations: To take early wickets, lead the bowling attack, and maintain pressure on Pakistan’s top order.
- Jediah Blades
- Role: Support pacer with left-arm angle
- Strength: Swing and accuracy in line and length
- Expectations: To support Seales by maintaining pressure and picking wickets through disciplined bowling.
- Gudakesh Motie
- Role: Sole specialist spinner
- Strength: Economy and wicket-taking ability with left-arm spin, variety for the attack
- Expectations: To contain Pakistan’s middle order, especially left-right combinations, and provide crucial breakthroughs.
- Romario Shepherd
- Role: Bowling all-rounder and late-order batter
- Strength: Medium pace with handy hitting at the end of innings
- Expectations: To offer bowling depth and explosive hitting in finishing overs; brings balance and flexibility to the side.
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Role: Explosive lower-order batter and useful medium pacer
- Strength: Explosive hitting in death overs and useful variations with ball
- Expectations: To accelerate scoring towards the innings end and provide bowling options in different phases.
