Pakistan will start their two-match Test series against West Indies in Jamaica today. Sabina Park is no longer the lightning-quick surface of the 1980s and 1990s, and should produce an even contest between bat and ball. However, there are predictions of rain on all five days and that may have a say on the result.
West Indies are coming off a 2-0 loss against South Africa at home. The gaps in their batting unit were evident against the superior bowling attack of South Africa, and it will not be an easy job for them against Pakistan.
The core of their batting remains the same. They will expect more from captain Kraigg Brathwaite and with other senior members, like Shai Hope, Roston Chase, and Jermaine Blackwood.
Their bowling looks in much better shape, with Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Jason Holder handling the pace department. They have rested Darren Bravo and Shannon Gabriel.
For Pakistan, this is a brilliant opportunity to record an overseas Test series win. They won their last series in the Caribbean 2-1, and will look forward to an encore to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship table.
Babar Azam will be key, but he will need support from the likes of Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, and Mohammad Rizwan. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Abbas will create the base of their bowling attack, with Yasir Shah as the lone spinner.
Head-to-head
West Indies have won 17 Test matches against Pakistan and lost 20.
Key Players
Roston Chase (West Indies): Chase has two centuries against Pakistan at an average of 53.80, along with nine wickets. He will look to return to form after his recent mediocre shows.
Abid Ali (Pakistan): Abid is coming off a double century in his last Test match, against Zimbabwe. He already has three hundreds and two fifties in 12 Tests, at an average touching 50. It will be a challenge for him against the pacers of the West Indies.
Betway fantasy tips
Roston Chase is a must-pick from West Indies for fantasy. He is the main man from West Indies batting and a good innings from him will put the hosts in a better position.
Abid Ali will be up for this challenge against West Indies. He has impressed one and all in his Test career so far and made himself a reliable name in the Pakistan team.
Yasir Shah is currently one of the best leg-spinners in the world. He is expected to utilise the conditions at Sabina Park and West Indies’ weakness against quality spin.
Likely XIs
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Shai Hope, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales.
Pakistan: Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Prediction
Pakistan to win thanks to their superior overall strength.