Pakistan is set to kick off their home season with a two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting on January 17, 2025, at the Multan Cricket Stadium. After a challenging series in South Africa, Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, will aim for a confident start. The West Indies, captained by Kraigg Brathwaite, will look to adapt quickly to the conditions and provide stiff competition. Pakistan’s home dominance and spin-friendly conditions make them the favorites, but the West Indies are capable of springing a surprise.
Match Details
Match | Pakistan vs West Indies, 1st Test |
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Date | January 17, 2025 |
Time | 10:00 AM Local / 10:30 AM IST |
Venue | Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan |
Weather | Sunny, dry conditions, 18–26°C |
Team Preview
Pakistan
Pakistan will be eager to bounce back after their South African tour. Shan Masood leads a balanced squad featuring both experienced campaigners and promising youngsters.
The batting lineup, featuring Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Imam Ul Haq, holds the key. Saud Shakeel has been their standout performer, consistently scoring in challenging conditions, while Mohammad Rizwan’s presence as a wicketkeeper-batter adds depth. Salman Ali Agha and Kamran Ghulam will have to play supporting roles in the middle order.
The bowling attack revolves around the spin trio of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed, who are expected to exploit the dry surface. Khurram Shehzad will shoulder the pace-bowling responsibilities.
Key Players: Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed
Predicted Playing XI:
Shan Masood (c), Imam Ul Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shehzad
West Indies
The West Indies will need to adjust quickly to the subcontinental conditions. Kraigg Brathwaite will anchor the batting order alongside promising talents like Mikyle Louis, Kavem Hodge, and Alick Athanaze. Kavem Hodge, with consistent performances in 2024, will be crucial to their success.
Their bowling attack is led by pacers Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip, who will need to utilize the new ball effectively. Gudakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair will be pivotal in exploiting the spin-friendly conditions.
Key Players: Kraigg Brathwaite, Kavem Hodge, Kemar Roach, Gudakesh Motie
Predicted Playing XI:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Jomel Warrican/Kevin Sinclair, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip
Fantasy Team XI
Player | Team | Role |
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Babar Azam (C) | Pakistan | Batter |
Kraigg Brathwaite (VC) | West Indies | Batter |
Saud Shakeel | Pakistan | Batter |
Kavem Hodge | West Indies | Batter |
Shan Masood | Pakistan | Batter |
Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | Wicketkeeper |
Gudakesh Motie | West Indies | All-rounder |
Sajid Khan | Pakistan | Bowler |
Abrar Ahmed | Pakistan | Bowler |
Jayden Seales | West Indies | Bowler |
Noman Ali | Pakistan | Bowler |
Pitch Report
Multan Cricket Stadium offers a dry surface conducive to spin bowling. Batters will need to show patience and skill to score big runs. Pacers may find some assistance early in the innings, but spinners are likely to dominate as the match progresses.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 325
- Spin Assistance: High
- Toss Prediction: Bat first. Teams batting first have a strong record at this venue, with three of the last five matches won by the side setting a target.
Winning Prediction
Pakistan holds the upper hand with a stronger batting lineup and a spin attack tailor-made for the conditions. The West Indies’ inexperienced batting lineup might struggle against quality spin.
Prediction: Pakistan to win
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