PAK vs WI 1st Test - Key Players

With the beginning of the new year, a new Test series will take shape in the Asian continent. Pakistan will host the West Indies for a 2-match Test series and the first fixture is scheduled to begin on 17th January at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The teams have met on multiple occasions in the past and they have a huge experience of playing the red-ball format against each other. Both Test fixtures are part of the ongoing World Test Championship Test cycle but that won’t impact anything positive for both teams as they both have failed to reach the finals of the WTC.

Pakistan is part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and hence they are not expected to focus on the upcoming Test series. West Indies is not part of the Champions Trophy and hence they will be eyeing to win the Test series and start a new year of cricket on a positive note.

Pakistan last played a Test series against South Africa in away conditions and lost the series by 2-0. It was a disappointing loss and hence the management has decided to make some major changes in the squad.

West Indies has all of their senior players intact and they carry an advantage in both fixtures. However, West Indies also carries a record of below-average performance in the away conditions.

PAK vs WI Test - Head-To-Head
 

PAK vs WI 1st Test - Winning Odds

PAK vs WI 1st Test - Key Players

1) Saud Shakeel - Pakistan

One of the biggest advantages for Pakistan is the presence of Saud Shakeel in the team. He is the top-scorer for Pakistan in the Test format in 2024 and will be expected to continue the momentum this year. Saud will also play the role of being the right-hand man for the skipper Shan Masood and it shows the importance of the player in the team.

2) Kavem Hodge - West Indies

Kavem Hodge is the top scorer for West Indies in the Test format in 2024. The 31-year-old made his debut for the team in 2024 and immediately became a rising star. He is an experienced batter who is known for his patience on the ground and building up innings over the course of time. Hodge is a dangerous man for the pace attack and hence he is a key batter for West Indies.

3) Sajid Khan - Pakistan

During England’s tour to Pakistan, the hosts came out of trouble with the help of their newly elected spinner Sajid Khan. He was commendable in all three games and stunned the opposition in both innings. Sajid Khan was not selected to play against the Proteas and the management clearly made a wrong decision. However, the mistake has been realised and Sajid is back in action against West Indies.

4) Justin Greaves - West Indies

For West Indies, Justin Greaves will be in the spotlight. The all-rounder has been a crucial player for the team and his pace bowling has made a major impact for the visitors. In 2024, Justin was the 2nd highest wicket-taker for the team and he will be expected to continue the momentum.

PAK vs WI 1st Test - A Thrilling Contest

Both teams have not been a successful combination of players when it comes to the red-ball format. However, the first fixture is going to be a thrilling one because both teams are in desperate need of a win. Another reason for a close contest between the two teams is that Pakistan has a major void in their bowling attack and West Indies doesn’t carry a positive record on the foreign pitches. 

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