Pakistan eye ODI redemption after T20I triumph against West Indies

After sealing a 2-1 victory in the T20I series, Pakistan shift focus to the 50-over format as they take on West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting August 8 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

For Pakistan, this series is more than just another bilateral contest, it’s about redemption. Their ODI campaign in 2025 has been nothing short of disastrous, with a group-stage exit in the ICC Champions Trophy followed by a 3-0 whitewash in New Zealand. The Men in Green are now desperate to hit the reset button, and this series presents a crucial opportunity to rebuild.

The return of Babar Azam at the top of the order provides much-needed solidity. Babar is on the cusp of history, one century away from equaling Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI hundreds for Pakistan. However, he hasn't reached three figures in the format since the 2023 Asia Cup, despite regularly crossing the 50-run mark. The wait for that elusive 20th century continues, and this series might finally end the drought.

With Fakhar Zaman sidelined due to injury, Abdullah Shafique is expected to partner Saim Ayub at the top. Ayub’s return to ODI squad is a major boost, especially after his explosive form in the T20Is. The middle order will see Rizwan at No. 4 and the reliable Salman Agha at No. 5, with young power-hitter Hassan Nawaz likely slotting in at No. 6 for his ODI debut.

“Hassan Nawaz has been performing for the past one year and he has won several matches for Pakistan in T20Is. We hope that he carries that momentum in ODIs as well,” Rizwan said in a video message shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday.

Bowling balance and spin dilemma

Pakistan's bowling attack is led by left-arm spearhead Shaheen Afridi and the in-form Naseem Shah. With overcast skies and potential rain interruptions in Trinidad, which is in the middle of its wet season, seamers may dominate proceedings. Hasan Ali may retain his spot to round off the pace attack, while the spin department presents a tricky decision.

The team management must decide between mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. The latter has impressed with his rhythm recently, but given the weather and conditions, Pakistan might opt for a single specialist spinner. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf could be preferred at No. 7, offering seam support and batting depth, possibly at the expense of Mohammad Nawaz.

“Sufiyan Muqeem is in great rythym and we already have mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, so these two can be our trump cards if we get the [spin friendly] pitches that we usually get in West Indies,” Rizwan said.

West Indies: Fighting for World Cup qualification

For West Indies, this series is critical to their World Cup qualification hopes. Ranked 10th in the ICC ODI rankings, the Caribbean side needs to climb at least one spot to ensure direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Skipper Shai Hope, who remains their most consistent ODI performer, has rallied his troops ahead of this vital series.

“I think it’s a very positive mood and vibe within the dressing room, especially with some of the recent results we’ve had. The guys are really looking forward to this one. We’ve shown success in our own home conditions, and tomorrow (today) starts another journey, another chance to create history,” Hope said.

“We must commend the work the batters have been doing. Rutherford has been very consistent, scoring five or six consecutive 50-plus scores. Carty averages around 50 in all his cricket, and our openers have been giving us solid starts. Our top six is providing the stability we’ve been seeking,” he added.

Hope, however, acknowledged the challenges in the bowling department.

“Our bowling has been improving, but it’s not an overnight fix. “We’ve identified areas to work on, and the guys are chipping in, understanding what’s required in different situations. If we can bat, bowl, and field well, we’ll be a great team going forward,” he said.

One of the series’ key narratives will be how West Indies counter Pakistan’s spin threat in the middle overs. Hope said that this phase is where matches are often decided.

“They’re going to throw a lot of spin at us again, especially in those middle overs. How we handle that, along with their swing threat, will be the deciding factor in this series. We’ve gotten better at negating spin, and, if we get through the power play well and put them under pressure, everything else will fall into place,” Hope concluded.

Pakistan, on the other hand, must guard against West Indies’ aggressive batting style. Shaheen and Naseem’s ability to strike early will be crucial. If they can remove Hope or Rutherford early, the hosts could struggle to build partnerships.

Venue, conditions, and weather

The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba has hosted only one ODI previously, a lopsided affair where India crushed West Indies by 200 runs. The pitches in West Indies traditionally offers some assistance to spinners but also provides early assistance to pacers. However, the real concern is the weather. August is peak wet season in Trinidad, and rain interruptions are likely throughout the series. This may lead to shortened matches and further complicate selection decisions.

The ingredients are in place for a competitive and closely fought ODI series.

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Johann Layne, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem