PAK vs WI 2025: West Indies playing XI for 1st Test vs Pakistan – Predicted

The West Indies they are ready to play Pakistan for Test cricket action, from January 17, scheduled at Multan Cricket Stadium. Both the teams will be keen to register wins against the other team and end the Test cricket season on a high ahead of Champions Trophy 2025.

West Indies hit a new low in Test cricket

Spirits are not particularly high for the West Indies ahead of their clash against Pakistan in the longest format of the game. The Caribbean have suffered from Test cricket throughout the 2023-25 ​​WTC cycle. The former world champions are at the bottom of the current WTC standings with just 2 wins in the cycle and 7 losses, while 2 matches ended in a draw. Thus, the percentage points (PCT) of the West Indies currently stands at a terrible 24.24. Windies last registered a Test win against Bangladesh in November 2024 and are currently at risk of ending up at the bottom of the current WTC cycle. So a win for West Indies in the upcoming 2-match series against Pakistan is a must.

Key challenges and opportunities for the West Indies

For West Indies, their top-order batting consistency remains a key concern as early collapses could expose their middle order to Pakistan’s powerful bowling unit. However, the Windies have an opportunity to capitalize on some exceptional talent in their squad that could help their current standing in the longest format of the game. The pitch for the upcoming test match is expected to be a bit slow and have an unexpected twist which can prove beneficial for the spinners. West Indies should therefore go dark for a strong partnership in their top and middle order and have a dedicated spin attack in their bowling unit so that they can trouble the Pakistani batsmen as the match progresses .

Read also: PAK vs WI: Pakistan Playing XI for First Test vs West Indies: Predicted

Here is the predicted playing eleven for West Indies in the 1st Test against Pakistan

1. Kraigg Braithwaite: The Pattern and the Character

Kraigg Braithwaite is certainly more than just the skipper of the West Indies Test team. He is responsible for putting runs on the board and keeping this team intact against a determined Pakistani side who have previously troubled England in Tests at home.

2. Alick Athanaze: The mainstay of the West Indies batting unit

Another important part of the West Indies batting order, Alick Athanaze has the ability to support Braithwaite as a reliable opening partner and can support the team with his sensible batting in times of need. However, Athanaze needs to handle the opening overs and aim to play a long innings for his team.

3. Tevin Imlach: A golden opportunity for the young gun

Tevin Imlach was selected in the West Indies squad on the back of an impressive performance in first-class cricket. The youngster needs to prove his worth and continue his impressive form in domestic cricket against Pakistan. Imlach also impressed in the recently concluded practice match where he played a knock of 57 runs against Pakistan Shaheens.

4. Joshua Da Silva: The talented batsman of the goalkeeper

Joshua Da Silva is another promising batsman from West Indies who has the ability to score runs as per the need and situation of the game. The 26-year-old has struggled with form in the past, but he has the ability to play an attacking innings and trouble the Pakistani bowlers.

5. Amir Jangoo – The experienced debutant against spin

Amir Jangoo is another young West Indies batsman with an impressive national record. The 27-year-old came into the limelight after scoring his maiden ODI century against Bangladesh on debut. A repeat of his impressive performance against Pakistan is expected. Jangoo is also known for his versatility on the field as a quality fielder and keeper apart from his batting talents.

6. Justin Greaves: The all-rounder with a defined role

Justin Greaves is especially important for the West Indies in order to bowl some strikes in the midst of long spells of traditional bowling. A player with this profile is especially important in subcontinental conditions. Greaves is also handy with the bat and has brought in runs for the team in the past.

7. Kavem Hodge: The reliable all-rounder

Kavem Hodge plays a similar role to Greaves. However, the difference is that Hodge has a proven track record as an all-rounder for the West Indies. The 31-year-old is West Indies’ leading run-scorer in 2024 with 586 runs in Test cricket. Also, a slow left-arm orthodox bowler may prove worthy for Windies on a pitch that is expected to be bowler-friendly.

8. Kemar Roach – An experienced pacer who leads the line

Kemar Roach is a seasoned campaigner of the Test format. The 36-year-old has taken 282 Test cricket wickets for his national team. His experience can prove to be an important factor in bringing out the determination and playing sensibility in the West Indies squad. Roach is also a natural leader in the bowling unit and can guide other young bowlers on the path to bowling in sub-continental conditions.

9. Gudakesh Motie: The spinner on a mission

Gudakesh Motie has proved his worth in white-ball cricket as a sharp spinner with remarkable wicket-taking ability. The youngster, however, now has to prove the same in the longest format of the game by taking advantage of the favorable conditions for spin bowling.

10. Jayden Seales: The flawless carrier

Jayden Seales is West Indies’ leading wicket-taker in the last year with 35 wickets to his name in 13 innings. The 23-year-old pace sensation has had two 5-wicket hauls in 2024 and has particularly exceeded expectations against Pakistan by taking 11 wickets in the 2 Test matches he has played.

11. Kevin Sinclair: A perfect combination of experience and intensity

The youngster has shown promising signs against Shaheens during the warm-up match and took 3 wickets in Shaheens second innings. Taking an extra spinner can be beneficial on Multan’s slow track which favors bowling.

Read also: Pakistan appoint new spin bowling coach ahead of home Test series against West Indies