Fresh off their 2-1 T20I series win, Pakistan will look to extend their dominance over the West Indies when the three-match ODI series begins at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, on Friday.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan, who rejoined the squad in Florida, will lead a strengthened Pakistani line-up featuring the return of Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, and Naseem Shah. Uncapped batter Hassan Nawaz and promising left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim also find a place in the 15-member squad.
We are looking forward to putting our best foot forward in the ODI format, and this away series in tough conditions promises to be a fine challenge for our budding squad. Facing the West Indies in their backyard is never easy, and with the help of the Almighty, we’ll look to express ourselves with both bat and ball in order to clinch the series.
Hosts Hit by Injuries and Rest Key Quick
The West Indies, meanwhile, will be without strike pacer Alzarri Joseph, who has been rested after recently recovering from a long injury layoff. Their plans suffered another blow with the injury to Matthew Forde, who dislocated his shoulder during training on Wednesday. He has been replaced by Academy pacer Johann Layne.
All-rounder Romario Shepherd, who last featured in ODIs in December 2024, makes a comeback, while left-arm seamer Jediah Blades is set to fill in for Joseph. The 23-year-old has just one ODI to his name but is capable of providing early breakthroughs with the new ball.
Pakistan presents a different test and challenge as we continue our push for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. These matches against higher-ranked opponents give us valuable opportunities to gain ranking points.
ODI Context: Rankings, Records and Pressure
Pakistan, currently fourth in the ICC ODI rankings, have their sights set on consolidating their position with strong performances. The Men in Green have historically enjoyed an edge in recent bilateral series — having won 11 of the 17 played against West Indies.
West Indies, on the other hand, languish at tenth and were whitewashed 3-0 by England in their last ODI assignment. With direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup at stake, they will be keen to turn the tide at home.
The first ODI will be a day/night encounter — only the second ever men’s ODI at this venue, the first having been played against India in 2023. The remaining two matches will also take place at the same ground but as day fixtures.
In 137 ODI meetings between the sides, the West Indies lead 71-63, with three matches tied. However, the Caribbean side hasn’t won a bilateral ODI series against Pakistan since 1991.
Probable Playing XIs: West Indies: Shai Hope (capt & wk), Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph, Sherfane Rutherford
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
