PAK vs WI: Pakistan playing XI for first Test against West Indies

the High voltage test series between Pakistan and West Indies The match is set to begin, promising an exciting contest between two rival teams. The opening Test, scheduled to begin on January 17 at the Multan Cricket Ground, 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 its land

Pakistan enters this series with a formidable squad, mixing experienced players with promising newcomers. Having faced mixed results at home in the past few months, Pakistan is looking to assert its dominance once again. With key players like Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan leading the attack, and a good bowling attack, Pakistan will aim to use the familiar conditions to their advantage and set the tone for the series.

Here is Pakistan's expected line-up for the first Test against West Indies

1. Shan Masoud (c)

role: Open batter and captain
power: 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 pivotal. His experience and leadership will also play a key role in managing the young team.

2. In front of the truth

role: Open the mixture
power: Consistent scorer and strong against turnovers
Expectations: Imam will be tasked with building a strong foundation alongside Masoud. His knack for turning starts into big scores will be crucial for Pakistan to dominate early in the innings. As he makes his return to the Test team, Imam will be desperate to prove his mettle.

3. Babar Azam

role: The mixture is top notch
power: 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 a long innings will be essential in putting pressure on the West Indies bowlers.

4. Saud Shakeel (VC)

role: Middle-order batsman and vice-captain
power: Compound batting and pressure absorption ability
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 appoints new bowling coach ahead of home Test series against West Indies

5. Muhammad Radwan (West Kuwait)

role: Wicket-keeper-batsman
power: Dynamic batting and safe hands behind the stumps
Expectations: Rizwan's dual role as a reliable batsman and sharp wicketkeeper is crucial. His ability to score quickly and shift momentum will make him a game-changer in crucial moments.

6. Salman Ali Agha

role: comprehensive
power: A useful mixture of middle-class and part-time
Expectations: Salman is expected to provide balance to the side. His contributions with bat and ball will add depth and flexibility to the Pakistani line-up.

7. Ali cultivation

role: Left arm rotor
power: Accuracy and ability to exploit turning paths
Expectations: Nauman will lead the rotation attack. On spin-conducive pitches, his role will be to pick the key wicket and maintain the pressure.

8. Abrar Ahmed

role: leg spinner
power: Mysterious spin and wicket-taking ability
Expectations: Abrar's knack for taking wickets in bunches makes him a vital part of Pakistan's bowling arsenal. He will look to shake up the West Indies middle order with his variations.

9. Muhammad Ali

role: Fast player
power: Swing and seam motion
Expectations: As a rookie, Muhammad Ali aims to take advantage of the early conditions. His role will be to provide breakouts and keep the operational flow under control.

10. Khurram Shahzad

role: Fast player
power: Consistency and ability to generate reverse swing
Expectations: Khurram's role will be to support the key players and take advantage of the reverse swing in the later stages of the innings. His control and discipline will be tested in pressure situations.

11. Sajid Khan

role: Outside the roundabout
power: Flying and being able to annoy left-handed users
Expectations: Sajid will complement the spin attack with his breaks. His ability to extract spin and bounce can play a crucial role in turnover routes.