PAK vs WI: Pakistan to play XI for 1st Test against West Indies – planned

The series of high voltage tests between Pakistan and West Indies is about to begin, promising an exciting competition between two competitive teams. The inaugural Test, scheduled to begin on January 17 at the Multan Cricket Stadium, marks the beginning of a battle that could redefine the dynamics of red-ball cricket for both teams.

Pakistan: a strong unit hoping to dominate at home

Pakistan comes into the series with a formidable team, combining experienced stalwarts and promising newcomers. Having faced mixed results at home in recent months, Pakistan will look to assert their dominance once again. With key players like Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge, and a well-rounded bowling attack, Pakistan aim to use the familiar conditions in their favor and set the tone for the series.

Here is Pakistan’s planned XI for the first Test against the West Indies

1. Shan Masood (C)

• Role: Opening batsman and captain
• Strength: Solid technique and temperament.
• Expectations: As captain, Shan Masood is expected to lead from the front. His ability to handle the new ball and anchor the innings will be essential. His experience and leadership will also play a key role in managing the young team.

2. Imam-ul-Haq

• Role: opening batsman
• Strength: Consistent scorer and strong against spin
• Expectations: Imam will be tasked with building a solid foundation along with Masood. His ability to convert openings into big scores will be crucial for Pakistan to dominate early in the innings. Since he will be returning to the Test team, Imam will be desperate to prove his worth.

3. Babar Azam

• Role: first order mass
• Strength: Elegant stroke play and consistency
• Expectations: Babar, Pakistan’s batting maestro, is expected to be the cornerstone of the middle-order. His ability to counter-attack and play long innings will be essential in putting pressure on the West Indies bowlers.

4. Saud Shakeel (VC)

• Role: Middle order batsman and vice-captain
• Strength: Composite batting and ability to absorb pressure.
• Expectations: As vice-captain, Saud Shakeel will look to stabilize the innings during difficult phases. His adaptability and temperament will be key, especially if the top order falters.

Also READ: Pakistan appoint new bowling coach ahead of home Test series against West Indies

5. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)

• Role: batsman-wicketkeeper
• Strength: Dynamic batting and sure hands behind the stumps
• Expectations: Rizwan’s dual role as a reliable batsman and sharp wicketkeeper is crucial. His ability to score quickly and change momentum will make him a game-changer in crucial moments.

6. Salman Ali Agha

• Role: all terrain
• Strength: Handy part-time middle-order and off-spinner batsman
• Expectations: Salman is expected to provide balance to the team. His contributions with both bat and ball will add depth and flexibility to Pakistan’s lineup.

7. Cultivation of Ali

• Role: Left arm spinner
• Strength: Precision and ability to take advantage of turning tracks.
• Expectations: No one will lead the spin attack. On spin-friendly pitches, your role will be to pick key wickets and maintain the pressure.

8. Abrar Ahmed

• Role: leg spinner
• Strength: Mysterious spin and wicket-taking ability.
• Expectations: Abrar’s ability to take wickets in groups makes him a vital part of Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. He will look to disrupt the West Indies middle order with his variations.

9. Muhammad Ali

• Role: fast bowler
• Strength: Swing and sewing movement.
• Expectations: As a new bowler, Mohammad Ali will look to exploit the early conditions. Your role will be to provide progress and keep the flow of execution under control.

10. Khurram Shahzad

• Role: fast bowler
• Strength: Consistency and ability to generate reverse swing.
• Expectations: Khurram’s role will be to support the leading pacers and capitalize on the reverse swing in the latter stages of the innings. Your control and discipline will be tested in pressure situations.

11. Sajid Khan

• Role: out of turn
• Strength: Flight and ability to bother left-handers.
• Expectations: Sajid will complement the spin attack with his counterattacks. Its ability to extract spin and bounce could play a decisive role on spinning tracks.

Also READ: Pakistan Cricket Board announces ticket prices for fans for home Test series against West Indies