PAK vs WI Dream11 Prediction: 3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices For West Indies Tour Of Pakistan 2025, 1st Test
Babar Azam and Keacy Carty are among the top choices as fantasy team captains [Source: @CricWick/X.com]
Pakistan and the West Indies are gearing up for an exciting two-match Test series, kicking off with the first Test at Multan Cricket Stadium on January 17. It’s been a while since these teams last faced off which ended in a 1-1 draw. Nevertheless, fans will be treated with the live action between the two cricketing giants for the first match from 10:00 AM IST.
The Pakistan team is coming into this match fresh off a tough series loss to South Africa, which might have shaken their confidence a bit. However, with Shan Masood leading the charge, key players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam will be vital for putting runs on the board. On the bowling side, Khurram Shahzad along with Nauman Ali will be focused on keeping the Windies batters under wraps.
On the other hand, the West Indies are looking to bounce back after a recent drawn series against Bangladesh, where they did manage to snag a win in the first Test. Led by Kraigg Brathwaite, they will be eager to take this series home. Alongside him, Keacy Carty and Mikyle Louis will be looking to put up a big score in the top order. Their bowling attack, featuring Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach, and Gudakesh Motie, is set to challenge the Pakistani batters on their home turf.
Multan Cricket Stadium - Pitch Report For 1st Test Between PAK vs WI
The Multan Cricket Stadium is a pretty good battleground for both batters and bowlers. Fast bowlers might find some early movement with the new ball, but once the game gets going, the pitch should provide decent pace and bounce. As the innings wore on, though, the pitch's rough surface could give spinners a bit of an edge with some extra turn.
On top of that, the weather might lead to some uneven bounce, which could throw batters off their game. Considering all these factors, the captain who wins the toss will probably choose to bat first to take advantage of the better conditions at the start.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices For PAK vs WI
3) Keacy Carty
Why Keacy Carty Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
In-form Top Order Batter: Keacy Carty presents a strong case as a captain or vice-captain choice for fantasy cricket teams, particularly due to his consistent form as a top-order batter. In his recent outings against Bangladesh, Carty showcased his ability to anchor the innings and score impactful runs, including a stellar 95 off 88 balls in an ODI and a well-paced 45 off 47 balls in another. Moreover, his capability to contribute significantly to his team's total makes him a reliable option for fantasy players seeking a dependable run-scorer.
Innings Builder: His performance in Test cricket, including a steady 40 off 115 balls against Bangladesh, underscores his ability to stay at the crease for long periods. This composure, combined with his aptitude for rotating the strike effectively, allows him to lay a solid foundation for his team. Carty consistently balances stability with aggression, making him an asset for fantasy teams.
2) Babar Azam
Why Babar Azam Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Experienced Cricketer: Babar Azam needs no introduction in terms of quality and class of play. While he has been inconsistent with his form, his experience in the game helps him stand out as a player who can strategize and asses Windies bowlers better on his home pitch. It will help him rack up better scores in the top order and exploit early conditions, making him a valuable choice as a fantasy team's captain or vice-captain.
In-form Batter: Given his recent consistent performances in both Test and ODI formats, Babar Azam reflects reliability. His recent form against South Africa, with scores like 81 off 124 balls and 58 off 127 in Tests further cements his status as a good fantasy captain choice. Therefore, he is a valuable asset for fantasy players seeking a captain who can maximize points through both stability and flair at the crease.
1) Nauman Ali
Why Nauman Ali Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Prime Spin Option For Pakistan: The 38-year-old Nauman Ali will be the most impactful for Multan Cricket Stadium pitches as he has been successful there previously. In the England series too, Ali troubled the batters as he managed to rack up 20 wickets in 4 winnings with an economy rate of 3.05 which reinstates the fact that he exploited the conditions well. Hence, he is expected to tumble the Windies batters later in the game snagging multiple wickets, which makes him a great choice as a fantasy captain pick.
Economical Wicket-Taker: Nauman Ali is a dependable bowler in Test cricket, known for his ability to combine economy with wicket-taking prowess. With 67 wickets in 32 innings at an impressive economy rate of 2.96, he can effectively control the flow of runs while delivering breakthroughs. Nauman's ability to maintain pressure on batters over long spells, coupled with his ability to strike at key moments, makes him an invaluable asset as a fantasy captain.