International cricket returns to Pakistan as they are all set to host West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series, on 13 December. West Indies will become the second Men's team, after South Africa, to play international cricket in Pakistan in 2021.
Earlier this year, New Zealand pulled out of the series moments before the tour opener, and England cancelled a subsequent tour.
West Indies suffered a major setback upon arriving in Karachi. Three of their players – Sheldon Cottrell, Kyle Mayers, and Roston Chase – tested positive for Covid-19. They are already without Fabian Allen, Kieron Pollard and Obed McCoy, all of whom are injured; Andre Russell and Shimron Hetmyer, who opted out, and the recently retired Dwayne Bravo.
With only 12 players at their disposal, they do not have to think hard about their playing XI. Brandon King and Shai Hope are likely to open batting, followed by a middle order consisting of Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, and Darren Bravo. Gudakesh Motie may have to warm the bench.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will be buoyed after a 3-0 drubbing of Bangladesh in the T20I series and 2-0 in the Test matches, that too on Bangladesh soil. However, with their openers doing a major share of work, the middle order went largely untested. If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan bat more aggressively at the top, instead of taking the game deep, it may bring their middle-order into the game.
Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan will be Pakistan's two spinners, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim will spearhead the pace attack.
Probable XI:
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Dominic Drakes, Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Hayden Walsh Jr, Oshane Thomas.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi,
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Although Babar did not have a great campaign in Bangladesh, you can bank on him in the home series on a batting-friendly Karachi pitch.
- Among bowlers, Afridi and Hosein are must-haves for your team.
- Pick both Pooran and Rizwan as wicketkeepers.
Fantasy XI:
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Nicholas Pooran, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Akeal Hosein, Shadab Khan, Odean Smith, Dominic Drakes, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali