Grateful Pakistan aim to cement their top rank against West Indies

KARACHI: Pakistan will take on the West Indies in their home ground after twelve years with aim of sending a positive image of the country to the world and to firm their position at the top of the T20I ranking.

The top-ranked Pakistan side will take on a much weakened reigning World T20 Champions without their star players except Marlon Samuels and Samuel Badree at the National Stadium Karachi in the first of three-match T20I series on 1st April.

Pakistan are likely to give a go to their latest Pakistan Super League (PSL) discoveries, Hussain Talat and Asif Ali, which will create a great blend of young and experienced players.

On the other hand, under the captaincy of Jason Mohammed, West Indies will be relying heavily on their experienced players like Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Fletcher and capable Chadwick Walton. Whereas, Samuel Badree can be their go-to weapon with the ball.

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West Indies have produced exciting talent throughout, Pakistan will not take them lightly as all of their players are capable of winning the game for their team single-handedly.

“West Indies are not weak,” said Sarfraz Ahmed earlier. “[In fact], we cannot take any team lightly in the shortest format.”

Sarfraz Ahmed has already revealed that his goal in the series is to increase their lead at the top of the table. They have to beat West Indies 3-0 to leave Australia, the second-ranked side, four points behind.

“Our foremost goal is to win the series and win it well because according to the latest permutations, we have to win all three matches to retain No. 1 spot in the ICC T20 team rankings. So there is no room for complacency as such from my viewpoint,” Sarfraz said.

It will be first international encounter in the National Stadium Karachi since 2009, Sarfraz Ahmed played his last game in his home ground back in 2008, so there will be certainly some nerves for Pakistani players.

Pakistan will be hoping for a flamboyant start from Ahmed Shehzad and Fakhar Zaman, whereas, they will be hoping to see fiery spells from Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali. Whereas, Shadab Khan has troubled men from the Caribbean in the past and the playing conditions will also be helpful for him.

On the other hand, Andre Fletcher, Chadwick Walton, Marlon Samuels and Jason Mohammed can be potential threats for Pakistan.

Courtesy ARY Sports