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

The High voltage test series between Pakistan i West Indies is about to begin, promising an exciting contest between two competitive sides. The inaugural Test, scheduled to begin on January 17 at the Multan Cricket Stadium, marks the start of a battle that could redefine the dynamics of red-ball cricket for both teams.

Pakistan: A strong unit hoping to dominate at home

Pakistan enter the series with a formidable squad, combining seasoned stalwarts and promising newcomers. After facing mixed results at home in recent months, Pakistan will be looking to reassert their dominance. With key players like Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge and a well-rounded bowling attack, Pakistan look to use the familiar conditions to their advantage and set the tone for the series.

Here is Pakistan’s projected XI for the first Test against the West Indies

1. Shan Masood (C)

• Role: Opening batsman and captain
• Strength: Solid technique and temperament
• Expectations: As captain, Shan Masood is expected to lead from the front. His ability to handle the new ball and anchor tackles will be critical. His experience and leadership will also play a key role in managing the young team.

2. Imam-ul-Haq

• Role: Opening mixer
• Strength: Consistent scorer and strong against spin
• Expectations: The Imam will be responsible for building a solid foundation alongside Masood. His ability to convert starts into big scores will be crucial for Pakistan to dominate early in the innings. As he is returning to the Test team, Imam will be desperate to prove his mettle.

3. Babar Azam

• Role: Blender of the first order
• Strength: Elegant stroke play and consistency
• Expectations: Babar, Pakistan’s batting maestro, is expected to be the cornerstone of the middle order. His ability to counter-attack and play long innings will be essential to put pressure on the West Indies bowlers.

4. Saud Shakeel (VC)

• Role: Middle-order batsman and vice-captain
• Strength: Composite batting and ability to absorb pressure
• Expectations: As vice-captain, Saud Shakeel will look to stabilize the innings during the tough phases. His adaptability and temperament will be key, especially if the top order falters.

Also READ: Pakistan appoints new spin bowling coach ahead of home Test series against West Indies

5. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)

• Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman
• Strength: Dynamic batting and confident hands behind the stumps
• Expectations: Rizwan’s dual role as a reliable batsman and sharp keeper is critical. His ability to score quickly and shift momentum will make him a game changer at crucial times.

6. Salman Ali Agha

• Role: All of it
• Strength: Handy middle-order batsman and part-time off-spinner
• Expectations: Salman is expected to provide balance in the side. His contributions with bat and ball will add depth and flexibility to Pakistan’s line-up.

7. Cultivation of Alí

• Role: Left arm spinner
• Strength: Precision and ability to exploit turning tracks
• Expectations: Noman will lead the pivot attack. On pitches conducive to the spinner, his role will be to pick up key wickets and keep the pressure on.

8. Abrar Ahmed

• Role: Leg spinner
• Strength: mysterious spin and wicket-taking ability
• Expectations: Abrar’s ability to take wickets in bunches makes him a vital part of Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. He will look to unsettle the West Indies middle order with his variations.

9. Mohammad Ali

• Role: fast bowler
• Strength: Swing and seam movement
• Expectations: As a new bowler, Mohammad Ali will aim to exploit the early conditions. His role will be to provide breakthroughs and keep the race flow under control.

10. Khurram Shahzad

• Role: fast bowler
• Strength: Consistency and ability to generate reverse swing
• Expectations: Khurram’s role will be to support the main pacers and take advantage of the reverse swing in the latter stages of the innings. Your control and discipline will be tested in pressure situations.

11. Sajid Khan

• Role: Off-spinner
• Strength: Willingness and ability to upset lefties
• Expectations: Sajid will complement the spin attack with his breaks. His ability to extract spin and bounce could play a decisive role on spinning tracks.

Also READ: Pakistan Cricket Board announces fan ticket prices for home Test series against West Indies