The West Indies and Pakistan are set to clash in the first of a three-match T20I series at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Friday, August 1. Both teams will be looking to put recent disappointing performances behind them and start the series on a high note.
West Indies: Seeking redemption after Australian whitewash
The home side, led by captain Shai Hope, enters this series on the back of a chastening 0-5 T20I series defeat against a relatively inexperienced Australian team. The West Indies’ batting, in particular, was a point of concern, as they failed to defend a total even once in the five games where they batted first. Hope, who was the leading run-scorer for his side with 185 runs, will be crucial to their success. Despite the tough series, the Windies have some powerful hitters like Brandon King, Keacy Carty, and Shimron Hetmyer, who recently had a spectacular Major League Cricket campaign. All-rounder Jason Holder is another key player with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. The West Indies will be hoping that playing in Florida, a venue they are familiar with, will give them the edge they need to bounce back from their recent struggles.
Pakistan: Looking to bounce back with experienced reinforcements
Pakistan, on the other hand, is also coming off a series defeat, having lost 1-2 to Bangladesh. The team’s batting was a major letdown in that series, with only two players managing to score half-centuries. To address their recent struggles and add some much-needed firepower, Pakistan has recalled some of their most experienced names for the tour of the West Indies. Pace bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, both of whom missed the recent series, have been named in the squad. They are joined by the returning Hasan Ali, creating a formidable pace attack with over 200 T20I appearances between them. The mix of youth and experience in the squad, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, will be crucial as they aim to adapt to the different conditions in Lauderhill and turn their fortunes around. With a strong historical record against the West Indies in T20Is (15 wins in 21 matches), Pakistan will be confident heading into this series.
WI vs PAK, 1st T20I:
- Date and Time: August 1, 5:30 Pm IST/ 12:00 Am GMT/ 08:00 Pm local (July 31)
- Venue: Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida
Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground Pitch Report:
The pitch at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Florida typically offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early in the match, fast bowlers can expect some assistance with bounce and movement due to the fresh surface and underlying moisture. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle, making stroke play easier for batters, especially under lights. Spinners may come into play in the middle overs, with some grip and turn available if the surface dries out. Overall chasing teams have also found success, making the toss less decisive than at some other venues.
WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Picks
- Wicketkeepers: Shai Hope, Mohammad Haris
- Batters: Salman Ali Agha, Rovman Powell, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub
- All-rounders: Jason Holder, Roston Chase, Khushdil Shah
- Bowlers: Alzaari Joseph, Haris Rauf
WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice Captain
- Choice 1: Shai Hope (c), Jason Holder (vc)
- Choice 2: Saim Ayub (c), Khushdil Shah (vc)
Also READ: WI vs PAK 2025: Head to head record, probable playing XI for the first T20I
WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Backups
Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat
WI vs PAK Dream11 team for today’s match (August 1, 12:00 AM GMT)
Squads:
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Jediah Blades, Evin Lewis, Roston Chase, Jewel Andrew, Rovman Powell, Gudakesh Motie
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sufyan Moqim.