The much-anticipated ODI series opener between West Indies and Pakistan is set to begin at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 8. Both sides are desperate to reverse dismal ODI fortunes, with West Indies coming off a heavy defeat to England and currently ranked 10th in the world, fighting for crucial World Cup qualifying points. Pakistan, who clinched the preceding T20I series, themselves have struggled in ODIs this year, winning just once in nine games but still ranking fourth globally.
Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan boast batting depth with stars like Babar Azam, and the returning Saim Ayub, backed by the pace duo Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. West Indies, captained by Shai Hope, present a blend of youth and experience—the likes of Brandon King, Keacy Carty, young Jewel Andrew, and the returning all-rounder Romario Shepherd add to the home squad’s ambitions. The Brian Lara Stadium has a reputation for favouring batters with its hard, flat pitch, promising high scores and thrilling stroke play, though conditions could shift later to help spinners. With both sides eager to regain momentum heading into the ODI World Cup cycle, expect a high-energy contest where tactical execution and resilience will be key.
WI vs PAK Head-to-Head record
Matches Played: 137 | WI won: 71 | PAK won: 63 | Tied: 03
WI vs PAK Match Details:
- Date and Time: August 8, 11:30 PM / 06:00 PM GMT / 2:00 PM LOCAL
- Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad
Brian Lara Stadium Pitch Report:
The pitch at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, is set to offer a balanced contest for the West Indies vs Pakistan 1st ODI. Early on, pacers may find some movement and bounce with the new ball, especially under lights, while the surface tends to become slower and provide increasing assistance to spinners as the match progresses. Batters can score freely once settled, but stroke-making may require patience due to the slightly sluggish outfield and occasional grip from the pitch. The venue’s hard, flat deck supports high scores—recent stats show an average first-innings mark around 350—but scores in the 260–280 range can be competitive depending on conditions. Expect a game where both batting and bowling skills will be tested, with spinners becoming especially influential in the later stages.
WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Shai Hope
- Batters: Babar Azam, Brandon King, Salman Agha, Sherfane Rutherford,
- All-rounders: Rostan Chase, Saim Ayub
- Bowlers: Gudakesh Motie, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah
WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice Captain:
- Choice 1: Babar Azam (c), Shai Hope (vc)
- Choice 2: Gudakesh Motie (c), Saim Ayub (vc)
Also READ: WI vs PAK: The top 5 battles to watch out in the ODI series ft. Babar Azam vs Shamar Joseph
WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Sufiyan Muqeem, Faheem Ashraf, Jewel Andrew, Evin Lewis
WI vs PAK Dream11 team for today’s match (August 8, 06:30 PM GMT):
Squads:
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c and wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz
West Indies: Brandon King, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c and wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jediah Blades, Jewel Andrew, Evin Lewis
Also READ: WI vs PAK: Pakistan’s best XI for the ODI series against West Indies