Pakistan vs West Indies: Key battles for series starter
After being whitewashed in the T20I series, West Indies will look for revival in fortunes in the ODI series and take advantage of the fact that Pakistan are currently sitting at the ninth position in ICC' team rankings.
Pakistan will lock horns with West Indies in the first game of the three-match series at Sharjah on Friday. After being whitewashed in the T20Is, West Indies will look for revival of fortunes in the One-Day International (ODI) series and take advantage of the fact that Pakistan have languished in the ICC ODI rankings and are currently sitting at the ninth position. Pakistan spun a series of web for World Champions and defeated in the game, which they mastered. The ODI series has been the chunk in Pakistan’s armoury and this is also a solid platform for them to better their numbers and rise in the points table. Though West Indies too haven’t enjoyed a great run in the 50-over format but the contest between the two will be enthralling.
Both the teams have some match-winners for this format and will create an upset and turn the game on its head with a matter of few overs. Pakistan will once again bank on their spinners to get the big hitting West Indian’s muscled out in the ODI series. It is mandatory for the visitors to come up with a strategy to tackle the Pakistani tweakers on slow turning tracks or another whitewash is around the corner. Imad Wasim has shot to limelight in the T20I series and will look to continue his pristine form in the longer format as well. Going for the form, Pakistan have only won a solitary game from last five encounters and had a terrible time in the ODI series against England in their own den. While West Indies have a slightly better record with couple of wins from their last five outings.
Sharjeel Khan vs Shannon Gabriel: Pakistan opener Sharjeel has been a valuable asset for the side with his aggressive batting at the top but has to play a long innings. Sharjeel did not have a great run in the T20I but played couple of good innings in the ODI series against England. If he succeeds at the top, Pakistan will certainly garner some quick runs with the new ball and find themselves in a comfortable position. Gabriel will surely put in the hard yards with the new ball and the contest between the two will the one to watch out for. There won’t be any half measures, Sharjeel will either get runs or walk back to the pavilion early. READ: Pakistan vs West Indies 1st ODI, Preview and Predictions
Shoaib Malik vs Sunil Narine: Pakistan’s veteran Malik had a decent run in the T20Is and will eye to make the most of his chances on the ODIs. Malik has been one of the pillars of strength for Pakistan in the middle-order and a good player of the spin. Narine, though has not been as effective as he used to be with his old action but still inspires enough confidence. Narine will look to scalp the key wicket of Malik and further give his side an advantage in the game.
Umar Akmal vs Sulieman Benn: Akmal has made it back to the side and will look to grab the golden opportunity and cement his place in the national side with some substantial performances. He did not get enough chances to bat in the T20Is but will look to make an impact in the 50-over format. Akmal has flare to score some quick runs with his manic approach and lay a solid foundation. Benn’s left-arm orthodox spin, which will certainly be assisted in these conditions, will play a key role for the visitors. He can get the ball to turn along with some unexpected bounce, which can trouble an under pressure Akmal.
Sarfraz Ahmed vs Carlos Brathwaite: Sarfraz has been the silent assailant in the Pakistani side. He has piled some crucial runs with his unorthodox style of play and put the opposition under pressure. He played exceptionally well in the ODI series in England and scored an unbeaten in the only game where he got a chance to bat in the T20I series against West Indies. Brathwaite on the other hand has gone for runs but at the same time has the ability to chip wickets with his canny variations. READ: Pakistan vs West Indies: Rashid Latif hails Sarfraz Ahmed as born leader
Mohammad Aamer vs Evin Lewis: Lewis is yet to debut in ODIs but showed what he is made of in the T20I against India. His success at the top means, West Indies will get off to a flying start and the man to stop him from doing so will be Aamer. Lewis had a parched run in the T20I series and Amir will try and take advantage of this and get the better of him with his menacing pace and swing.
Imad Wasim vs Darren Bravo: Wasim stunned everyone in the T20I series and looked in some different form. The young wily spinner will once again attempt to exploit the spinning conditions of the UAE. Darren on the other hand has been the backbone of West Indies batting and his early dismissal is like a boon for any side.
Wahab Riaz vs Marlon Samuels: Samuels is another veteran in the young West Indies line up and will shoulder the responsibility of getting things in place for the side. Riaz will test his Achilles Heels with some serious pace and deliveries moving away from the right-hander, which has been one of his weaknesses.
Hasan Ali vs Kieron Pollard: Hasan Ali bowled well in England and has the potential to excel in this format. His simple action and variety can help the side in outfoxing hard hitting West Indies batsmen. Pollard’s hard hitting abilities is well-known, he loves pace to the ball but looks uncomfortable against variations. Ali’s variations could turn out to b effective for the side as Pollard can inflict massive damage if he gets going.
As of now, all eyes are set on Sharjah as the first encounter about to kick start.
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