Pakistan face West Indies in the first of the three-match ODI series on Wednesday, June 8 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan from 4:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time).
This will be the first time the two sides will play an ODI bilateral series since April 2017. The series, earlier scheduled to take place in December, was postponed to June following a COVID-19 scare in the West Indian camp.
The West Indies are coming off a 3-0 series win against the Netherlands. The Caribbean side led by newly appointed skipper Nicholas Pooran will look to continue their dominant run and win their first series in Pakistan since November 1991.
For Pakistan, all-rounder Shadab Khan makes a comeback after missing the last ODI series against Australia due to a groin injury. Besides, the Men in Green have named a full-strength squad with Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali set to return from their county stints in England.
Pakistan vs West Indies 1st ODI odds
Bet365 odds: Pakistan: 1.40, West Indies: 3.00
Parimatch: Pakistan: 1.41, West Indies: 2.86
10CRIC odds: Pakistan: 1.41, West Indies: 2.88
Betway odds: Pakistan: 1.40, West Indies: 2.80
1xBet odds: Pakistan: 1.40, West Indies: 3.01
Note: Odds are subject to change. Please visit betting sites to check and confirm the latest odds.
Pakistan vs West Indies head-to-head in ODIs
West Indies hold an edge in the head-to-head battle between the two sides, winning 71 out of the 134 ODI matches played. On the other hand, Pakistan have won 60 while three matches have ended in a tie.
Pakistan have won seven of the last 10 ODI matches played between the two teams.
Pakistan vs West Indies 1st ODI probable playing XI
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Khushdil Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
West Indies: Shai Hope (wicket-keeper), Shamarh Brooks, Nkrumah Bonner, Nicholas Pooran (captain), Rovman Powell, Kyle Mayers, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh, Anderson Phillip
Pakistan vs West Indies 1st ODI top picks
Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi is a no-brainer for this match. The left-arm seamer is currently in top form and picked six wickets in two matches in Pakistan’s last ODI series against Australia. The 22-year-old will look to replicate a similar performance in the ODI series against West Indies and help his team clinch another series at home.
West Indies: Sharmarh Brooks will be the top pick from the West Indian side. The 33-year-old was the leading run-getter for West Indies in the recently concluded ODI series against the Netherlands, smashing 167 runs across three innings at an average of 83. Brooks will hold the key in anchoring the West Indian middle-order.
Pakistan vs West Indies 1st ODI prediction
Given their superior record at home, Pakistan are strong favourites to win the match.
However, the West Indian team is in form, coming on the back of a 3-0 ODI series whitewash against the Netherlands. They are more than capable of bagging a win against a mighty Pakistani setup.
Pakistan vs West Indies 1st ODI playing conditions and weather report
Maximum Temperature: 44°C
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 38%
Wind: 21 km/h