Pakistan to play first ODI of key series vs West Indies today

PROVIDENCE: Pakistan will play its first One-day International against West Indies of the three matches series at the Providence Stadium in Guyana to strengthen chances to pre-qualify for the 2019 ICC World Cup.

With the first game starting today, both sides will be anxious to win for a good reason since both are in danger of missing out on direct qualification for the World Cup in England with Pakistan occupying the last qualifying spot by virtue of their eighth spot on the ODI rankings.

The West Indies, the 1975 and 1979 world champions, are at present sitting in ninth position on 84 points, five points behind 1992 champions Pakistan. Bangladesh, who recently drew their three-match series with Sri Lanka, are seventh on 92 points.

The West Indies will need to find something extra with bat in hand if they are to avoid defeat to a confident Pakistan side boosted by the T20I series win just days ago.

Pakistan have a lethal bowling attack capable of testing the hosts with out and out pace or the guile of their tweakers with teenaged leg-spin sensation Shadab Khan in focus.

Pakistan have had batting problems of their own especially when they face big run chases or when they find themselves under pressure.

Teams(from):

PAKISTAN: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Asif Zakir, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Fahim Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Asghar.

WEST INDIES: Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Carter, Miguel Cummins, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Chadwick Walton.

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