The cricketing spotlight shifts to the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba tonight, where Pakistan and the West Indies meet in the opening One-Day International (ODI) of their three-match series.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the match is scheduled to begin at 11 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST), promising an electrifying contest as both sides look to seize early momentum.
Pakistan Squad:
Pakistan enters the ODI arena with renewed confidence, having secured a 2-1 T20 series victory over the hosts. Determined to carry that winning form into the longer format, skipper Mohammad Rizwan has identified mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and young left-arm leg-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem as potential trump cards in Caribbean conditions.
The squad is further bolstered by the return of star batter Babar Azam, whose presence alongside Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha, and the emerging trio of Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Hassan Nawaz gives the Green Shirts a balanced batting lineup.
Pakistan’s bowling attack remains formidable, led by pace spearheads Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Ali, supported by the spin pairing of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem.
All-round options in Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz add crucial depth in both departments.
West Indies Squad:
For the West Indies, this ODI series represents more than just a chance to rebound from their T20 defeat—it is a fight to restore pride after a disappointing home season.
Under the leadership of Shai Hope, the side combines seasoned campaigners like Evin Lewis and Roston Chase with fresh talent, including Keacy Carty and Sherfane Rutherford.
Their pace attack, spearheaded by the sensational Shamar Joseph, is backed by Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, and Jediah Blades, while Gudakesh Motie shoulders the spin duties.
The series also holds historical significance. It marks Pakistan’s first ODI appearance in the Caribbean in eight years, and the West Indies have not won a bilateral ODI series against Pakistan since 1991.