West Indies vs Pakistan – 1st Test Match Preview and Prediction
So far, the rain has hampered Pakistan’s trip to the West Indies in 2021. Four of the five T20 series matches were rained off, leaving bettors disappointed. Hopefully, the Test Series will be different.
West Indies lost their previous test series to South Africa quite handily, and their coach has already mentioned a lack of preparation for this one. Pakistan has a good team that is full of skill and will be aiming for a win here.
In this match, we believe there are some excellent betting possibilities to be had. The match will be held in Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, beginning on August 12, 2021.
Match Details to Note
Match: West Indies vs Pakistan, 1st Test
Date and Time: August 12, 8:30 PM IST
Venue: Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
West Indies vs Pakistan Team Previews
West Indies
It’s no secret that the West Indies are a bad Test team. In the last three years, it has only won one Test match against a side other than Afghanistan and Bangladesh. That one win came against England, and although we don’t want to dismiss any team, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are still learning how to play Test cricket, so victories over them aren’t necessarily the best markers of a team’s quality.
The West Indies last met Pakistan in a series in 2017, in which they lost 2-1. This series was also shown in the Caribbean.
West Indies is in for a rough time now, with a relatively inexperienced leadership, an uncertain and weak batting lineup, and a bowling attack that appears to be beyond its prime. This is why we are startled by the odds provided for a Pakistan victory.
The markets appear to be overvaluing the West Indies’ home advantage.
In the two Tests against South Africa, none of the West Indies batsmen scored moreover 100 runs. Only two fifties were scored (Chase and Powell), and none of the batters were able to spend much time at the crease.
We don’t think the West Indies will be able to turn things around against a quality Pakistani bowling outfit.
Kemar Roach was the finest bowler in the previous series and is a solid choice for the Top Bowler West Indies 1st Inning betting market. Two other bowlers who might make an impact in this series are Jayden Seales and Jason Holder.
West Indies Test Squad
Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Kieran Powell, Shai Hope(w), Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Chemar Holder, Nkrumah Bonner, Jahmar Hamilton, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales, Joshua Da Silva
The spotlight will be on Shai Hope, who has yet to score since his return against the Proteas. Kyle Mayers had a double-double early this season but has been spotty since. Jayden Seales bowled with venom in his Test debut and will seek to build on that. Kraigg Braithwaite, Jason Holder, and others must also be at their best.
Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Nkrumah Bonner, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph
Pakistan
Pakistan has lately won a slew of Test matches. It had previously won both of its previous two series, 2-0, against South Africa and Zimbabwe. Granted, the series against South Africa was played at home, and Zimbabwe is not a particularly good Test team, but these performances will instill some confidence in the team.
We believe Pakistan has more than enough potential to win this match.
Its batting lineup will include players like Abid Ali (double century in the previous series), Ahar Ali and Fawad Alam (both with hundreds in the previous series), and Babar Azam, who may be out of form but whose talent cannot be denied.
Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, and Abdullah Shafique will also play.
There is greater batting strength in this country than in the West Indies. For Fawad Alam and Abid Ali, we recommend looking at the Total runs 1st Inning betting market. For both of them, press the ‘Over’ button.
However, Pakistan’s true strength is its bowling.
Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Yasir Shah are all expected to start, with Shahnawaz Dhani perhaps making his debut as well. The introduction of the Duke ball in the West Indies might mean that Mohammad Abbas gets a chance to play as well.
We have Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi as our top picks for the Top Bowler Pakistan 1st Inning betting market. The chances are favorable enough for us to spread our bets a little.
Pakistan Test Squad
Imran Butt, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam(c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Hasan Ali, Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Abdullah Shafique, Nauman Ali, Haris Rauf, Zahid Mahmood, Shahnawaz Dhani, Sajid Khan
Pakistan has a powerful batting lineup for the game. Babar and Rizwan have been among the runners all year and must produce. Fawad Alam must use all of his experience to his advantage. Yasir Shah’s role in the game will be crucial as well. The fresh ball shall be shared by Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Afridi.
Playing XI: Imran Butt, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Faheem Ashraf/Nauman Ali, Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi
West Indies vs Pakistan Toss Prediction
The team that wins the toss will most likely bowl first to take advantage of any help that the surface may provide.
Pitch and Conditions
The weather prediction for Jamaica is not promising, with rain anticipated on all four days of the tournament. Hopefully, the disruptions will be minor, allowing enough time for a solution to be achieved. You could wish to explore a ‘Draw No Option’ betting market to safeguard yourself in the event of poor weather or a lifeless pitch.
We believe the pitch will be quick and provide some assistance to the bowlers. The Duke ball used in the West Indies always brings in the fast-bowlers.
West Indies vs Pakistan Match Prediction
We are certain that Pakistan will win this match. We believe its bowling assault will demolish the West Indies batting and that it will be able to score enough runs to win. West Indies Test team does not appear to be in excellent shape right now.
Pakistan is the favorite to win.
