TAROUBA, August 8, 2025 — The stage is set at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy as Pakistan and the West Indies lock horns today in the opening clash of a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series that promises high-intensity cricket and a revival of a decades-old rivalry.
Pakistan, fresh from their T20 series triumph, stride into this ODI contest brimming with confidence and purpose. For the hosts, however, the stakes are far higher. The West Indies enter the series burdened by a season of underachievement — just one victory in their home summer — and now face their final opportunity to reclaim pride before a home crowd eager for redemption.
Under the leadership of Shai Hope, the West Indies bring a blend of experienced stalwarts and vibrant new faces. Openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis are tasked with delivering explosive starts, while the middle order — powered by Keacy Carty’s youthful ambition, Sherfane Rutherford’s raw hitting, and Justin Greaves’ measured approach — will aim to build momentum. The bowling attack, spearheaded by the sensational Shamar Joseph, is reinforced by Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, and Jediah Blades, with Gudakesh Motie providing spin control and the versatile Romario Shepherd and Roston Chase adding all-round depth.
Pakistan’s ODI squad, strengthened by key returns, sees Mohammad Rizwan don the captain’s armband and Babar Azam reclaim his pivotal role in the batting core. Abdullah Shafique steps in for the injured Fakhar Zaman, while Salman Agha adds stability. Young guns Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Hasan Nawaz will be closely watched as they adapt to Caribbean conditions.
On the bowling front, Pakistan unleash their fearsome pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Ali. Complementing them are the spin duo of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, with Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz filling the all-rounder slots.
Historically, ODI meetings between these two cricketing powerhouses have been sporadic. This marks only their third series in eight years, with Pakistan having whitewashed the West Indies 3-0 in their last encounter in 2022. More notably, it ends Pakistan’s eight-year ODI absence from Caribbean soil — their last visit in this format being in 2017.
For the West Indies, the challenge is monumental. They have not beaten Pakistan in an ODI series since 1991, making this showdown as much about rewriting history as it is about winning matches. For Pakistan, it’s an opportunity to assert dominance yet again.
The series begins today — and with reputations, momentum, and legacy on the line, Tarouba is ready for an ODI battle that could redefine the summer.