Pakistan vs West Indies | Cricket Match Prediction | 1st Test | Jan 17 – Who do you think will win the first test? 

PAK vs WI Match Analysis

When host Pakistan plays the West Indies in the first Test series match at Multan Cricket Stadium, which begins on Friday, January 17, at 11:30 BST, the players will hope to start their home season well.

Pakistan, despite losing the series in South Africa, will start as favorites for the upcoming two-match Test series. Led by Shan Masood, the visitors will aim to showcase their dominance, while the home side will strive for a clinical performance with both bat and ball in the series opener.

On the other hand, the West Indies will focus on adapting to the conditions and delivering a commendable performance against Pakistan.

PAK vs WI Team Preview & Squads

Pakistan

Pakistan will be counting on key players in the batting department, including captain Shan Masood, opener Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, to contribute the majority of the runs.

Since January 2024, middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has led the batting charts for Pakistan in Test cricket. In seven Tests, Shakeel has amassed 560 runs at an average of 43.07, including two centuries and two half-centuries. Alongside Shakeel, captain Shan Masood has shown consistent form at the top of the order, scoring 522 runs at an average of 40.15.

In the bowling department, PAK will rely on the spin trio of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed to deliver crucial breakthroughs. Khurram Shehzad will serve as the lone pacer for Pakistan in the series opener.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan Squads

Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Hurraira, Rohail Nazir, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Kashif Ali.

West Indies 

The West Indies Test team seems to be a mix of experience and emerging talent. In the batting lineup, Kraigg Brathwaite’s steady presence at the top will be crucial, while the younger players like Mikyle Louis and Keacy Carty have an opportunity to make significant contributions. Kavem Hodge’s form since January 2024 highlights his importance to the middle order. With 516 runs in nine matches, including a century and three fifties, he has been a reliable performer, although he’ll aim to improve his consistency.

In the bowling department of WI, the pace trio of Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip brings a combination of skill and aggression, particularly with the new ball. Their ability to exploit early conditions will be key in giving the West Indies an edge. The spin duo of Kevin Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie adds variety, with Motie’s ability to extract turns making him a potential game-changer on surfaces that aid spin.

The blend of senior players and rising stars positions the West Indies to compete strongly, provided both departments click in unison.

West Indies Squads

West Indies Squads

Kraigg Brathwaite, Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican.

Pakistan vs West Indies outfield report

Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

For teams batting first, Multan Cricket Stadium has proven to be an excellent ground. The team that bats first has won three of the last five games.

The game is expected to take place in bright conditions with mild winds.

It is anticipated that the pitch prepared for the match in Multan will be drier and more advantageous to the spinners. To score large runs on this surface, the batters will need to be patient.

Pakistan vs West Indies Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last five encounters, West Indies has won two and Pakistan has won three.

Pakistan vs West Indies Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Pakistan has an 80% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.