TRINIDAD (SNP Report): Pakistan, buoyed by their T20I series triumph, will look to carry the momentum forward as they lock horns with West Indies in a three-match ODI series beginning today (Friday) at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground, Trinidad and Tobago.
This marks only the second-ever men’s ODI at the venue, with the first held between West Indies and India in 2023. The opening ODI is a day-night affair, set to begin at 2:00 pm local time (11:00 pm Pakistan time), while the remaining two matches will be day games, commencing at 9:30 am local time (6:30 pm Pakistan time) at the same venue.
Historically, West Indies have a slight edge in head-to-head records, winning 71 out of 137 encounters, while Pakistan have emerged victorious 63 times. Three matches ended in ties (1991, 1993, 2013). However, Pakistan have dominated recent history, winning 11 bilateral series compared to the West Indies’ six. Notably, the last time the Caribbean side won an ODI series against Pakistan was back in November 1991.
The Men in Green arrived in Trinidad on August 5 after clinching a 2-1 T20I series win in Lauderhill, Florida. They have since conducted two intensive training sessions. The 15-member ODI squad includes uncapped batter Hassan Nawaz, while Fakhar Zaman misses out due to a left hamstring strain sustained during the second T20I.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan, who has previously led Pakistan in 17 ODIs, joined the squad in Florida along with Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and Naseem Shah, before departing for Trinidad. Pakistan currently sit 4th on the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, while West Indies are ranked 10th.
Speaking ahead of the first ODI against West Indies, Pakistan ODI Captain Mohammad Rizwan said: “We are excited to step into the 50-over format, and this series away from home presents an excellent test for our emerging squad. Talents like Sufyan Moqim and Hassan Nawaz bring a fresh energy, and they’re eager to make their mark.
“Facing the West Indies in their own conditions is never easy. With faith in the Almighty, we aim to deliver with both bat and ball to secure the series. They’ve got a dynamic squad as well, which should make for a highly competitive series,” he added.
SQUADS:
PAKISTAN: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha (vice captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim.
WEST INDIES: Shai Hope (captain & wicketkeeper), Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Jediah Blades, Jewel Andrew, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph, and Sherfane Rutherford.
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