With Pakistan entering the 3-match ODI series on the back of a 2–1 T20I series win, the first ODI in Tarouba has taken on added significance. Pakistan will be aiming to continue their winning momentum and assert dominance early, while the West Indies are desperate to make a statement at home and shift the narrative. This match is more than just a series opener—it is the tone-setter for the days ahead.
Live Streaming Info
Cricket fans can catch the Pakistan vs West Indies 1st ODI live on PTV Sports in Pakistan, FanCode in India, and Willow TV in the U.S. The match starts at 11:30 AM IST, 11:00 AM PST, 06:00 AM GMT.
Team Analysis
Pakistan have arrived in the Caribbean with a squad that blends experience and emerging talent in equal measure. The return of Babar Azam has strengthened their top order, offering a blend of stability and flair alongside captain Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan’s leadership has been marked by a calm tactical approach, particularly in tight chases, and he has shown a willingness to back younger players under pressure. The middle order has been reinforced by Hussain Talat and Salman Ali Agha, both capable of rotating strike efficiently and accelerating when needed. The debut of Hasan Nawaz has injected fresh energy into the batting lineup—his composed innings in the opener proved he can handle both pace and spin in foreign conditions.
In the bowling department, Pakistan’s pace attack remains its greatest weapon. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ability to swing the ball at high pace in the first few overs makes him a constant threat, while Naseem Shah’s accuracy and control at both ends of the innings provide crucial stability. Haris Rauf offers raw pace and the ability to break partnerships, especially in the middle overs. The spin duo of Usama Mir and Shadab Khan brings variety, with Mir’s attacking leg-spin complementing Shadab’s subtle changes in flight and pace. Fielding standards have also improved noticeably, with sharp catching and boundary-line saves preventing easy runs.
The West Indies, under the leadership of Shai Hope, are still searching for the right balance between aggression and consistency. Hope himself remains the linchpin of the batting lineup, capable of building innings methodically while others play with freedom around him. Evin Lewis brings power at the top, but his tendency to go hard early can sometimes lead to soft dismissals.
On the bowling side, Alzarri Joseph spearheads the attack with his pace and bounce, especially effective on pitches that offer carry. Romario Shepherd provides valuable all-round utility, often delivering in the death overs, though control has sometimes been an issue. Akeal Hosein’s left-arm spin has been economical, but he needs greater support from the rest of the spin department to stem Pakistan’s scoring in the middle overs. The West Indies fielding has been inconsistent—moments of brilliance have been overshadowed by dropped chances and misfields, something they must address immediately if they hope to level the playing field.
Match Insights and Conclusion
Pakistan’s recent T20I series win has given them an early psychological edge. The combination of Hasan Nawaz’s composed debut performance and disciplined bowling from Shaheen and Naseem laid the foundation for a clinical chase of 280, achieved with seven balls to spare. West Indies, despite posting a competitive total, were undone by their inability to maintain pressure in the final overs with the ball and their struggle to contain Pakistan’s running between the wickets.
The pitch at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba is expected to offer assistance to seamers early on, making the first ten overs for both batting sides crucial. Any lapse in application against the new ball could prove costly, and both teams will be keenly aware of the need to protect wickets during the initial powerplay. For Pakistan, another win would all but seal the series momentum, while for the West Indies, this is a chance to halt Pakistan’s surge and keep the contest alive.
