PAK vs WI Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s 1st Test Between Pakistan And West Indies?
West Indies and Pakistan will play the 1st Test on January 17 [Source: @ABSay_ek/X.com]
Pakistan and West Indies are set for a two-match Test series as the latter visits for the first Test at Multan Cricket Stadium on January 17. The last time the two teams clashed was in 2021 for a Test series and the series ended in a 1-1 draw. With teams set up for an exciting battle after 4 years, fans will witness the heat live from 10:00 AM IST.
Pakistan
Pakistan is coming for the battle fresh after a Test series loss against South Africa which might dent their confidence for the upcoming game. However, the Men in Green features an amazing arsenal of batters and bowlers who can give the Windies a tough time.
With Shan Masood leading the pact, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam will be crucial in building up the scoreboard at the top. Meanwhile, Khurram Shahzad, Agha Salman alongside Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Ali will be keeping the Windies batters in check.
West Indies
West Indies also had a heated affair with Bangladesh in their recently concluded Test series where they ended up with a draw in the two-match series despite booking a win in the first Test. Nevertheless, the Kraigg Brathwaite-led team will be hungry for a series win as the skipper leads the batting order with Keacy Carty and Mikyle Louis following up to rack it big on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, the bowling pact, led by Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach and Gudakesh Motie will be looking to restrict the Pak batters on the Multan pitch.
PAK vs WI: Head-to-Head Records In Test
Matches Played | Pakistan Won | West Indies Won | Drawn | Tied | No Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
54 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
How Will the Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Behave?
The Multan Cricket Stadium is likely to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers can expect some early movement with the new ball, but the pitch is expected to offer even pace and bounce, aiding run-scoring. However, as the game progresses, the abrasive nature of the pitch will likely assist spinners with increased turns.
The weather conditions may also contribute to uneven bounce, adding another layer of challenge for batters. Given these factors, the toss-winning captain will likely opt to bat first and capitalize on the potentially more favourable early conditions.
Players To Watch Out For In PAK vs WI 1st Test
Pakistan
Babar Azam: Babar Azam was in scintillating form in the South Africa series, shining with the bat in both ODI and Test matchups. He had an average of 48.25 in his 4 innings against the Proteas as he racked up a solid 81-run stand in the second Test. The in-form Azam will therefore be beneficial for Pakistan to build a solid foundation for the team with the top-order.
Saud Shakeel: Saud Shakeel averages 52.66 in his 32 Test innings at a strike rate of 49.47. He is also a reliable top-order batter who takes his time at the crease to build long and durable partnerships. Hence, he will be a key player for Pakistan to outwit the Windies bowlers.
Nauman Ali: Nauman Ali was in shining form in the England Test series where he racked up 20 wickets in 4 winnings with an economy rate of 3.05. He will be a crucial spinner for his team on the Multan pitch and might tumble down the Windies heroes later in the game when the pitch aids him.
West Indies
Jayden Seales: As a pace bowler, Jayden Seales records 8-125 as his best bowling figure in Test and in the Bangladesh series which concluded in December, he managed to rack up 10 wickets at an astonishing economy rate of 2.35. Hence, Seales will be a key player to watch out for in the match as he can stack the Pakistan team early on the crease.
Kemar Roach: Roach lines up next to Seales as a key player for the Windies as he also managed to bag 9 wickets in the Bangladesh series. Overall, in his Test career, Roach boasts 282 wickets in his 153 innings with 10-146 as his best Test bowling figures.
Keacy Carty: While Keacy Carty just boasts 173 runs in his 8 Test innings, he had a stellar outing with the bat in the Bangladesh ODI where he racked up scores of 95 and 45. Hence, he will be a key performer for the Windies who can frustrate the Pakistani bowlers at the crease.
Today's Match Prediction: PAK vs WI 1st Test
Predicted Top Performers
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Nauman Ali
West Indies: Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach, Keacy Carty
PAK vs WI 1st Test: Predicted Score
- Predicted first innings score: 360-370
- Predicted second innings score: 460-470
- Predicted third innings score: 300-310
- Predicted fourth innings score: 150-160