Predicting WI’s Playing XI for the 1st T20I Match against PAK in Pakistan tour of West Indies 2025

The curtain rises on what promises to be a thrilling series, with the West Indies welcoming Pakistan for the first T20I of 2025. West Indies will be desperate for a strong performance after losing a tightly contested series against Australia, where the Windies lost the final T20I by just one run! This series is about more than just bouncing back and revenge; it’s about providing a foundation of consistency in the shortest format, especially with all the ICC global events on the horizon. West Indies will be looking to harness all their explosive talents and match-winners throughout the squad, but let’s take a look at how West Indies’ playing XI could look for the opener.

Openers

West Indies will lean on King and Shai Hope to provide a powerful start. King may only have scored 11 in his last T20I, but he is important at the beginning of the innings and provides attacking ability (especially in the Powerplay) and the potential to hit the big shots early. King usually performs well in home conditions and is due for a big score, so he is likely to start. 

With King, Shai Hope, captain of the West Indies, brings calmness and class. He only scored 9 in his last T20I, but a strike rate of 150 indicates a level of aggression. He is technically sound and provides a second style of batter to King’s aggression, with the ability to stabilise the innings if the West Indies lose wickets early.

Middle Order

Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford will be the key men in the middle order. The last game saw Hetmyer shine, as he carved out a 52-run innings from 31 balls, combining flair with raw power. His innings, in a pressure situation, steadied the innings and kept the score moving at a rapid pace. 

With Hetmyer’s experience and his ability to attack spinners in the middle overs, he will always be a firm pillar in the Windies lineup. Rutherford also made an impactful contribution, scoring 35 off just 17 balls at an explosive strike rate of 205.88. His fearless batting style and ability to clear the rope make him a serious threat in the middle overs and death overs. 

All-Rounders

Jason Holder and Akeal Hosein are two all-rounders, both likely to keep their positions. Holder is a former captain who continues to be a pragmatic utility player. He scored a handy 20 runs against Australia and took two very important wickets. Holder’s control of the ball in his hand and his experience under pressure make him a very valuable player when it matters. 

Hosein, however, was the star with the ball in hand, taking 3 for 17 in four overs, while contributing 11 handy runs down the order. His left-arm spin gives the bowling attack a different dimension, and his lower-order batting adds depth to the batting order. 

Bowlers

At the helm of the pace attack will be Alzarri Joseph and Matthew Forde. Joseph took wickets for Tim David and one other batsman, and was one of the few bright lights with the bowling last game. He had raw pace and the ability to take new-ball wickets, so he could always be a threat. While Forde had no wickets last game, he had glimpses and also provided runs in the lower order. 

We will predictably have flat surfaces as we expect in Lauderhill, so Forde’s ability to also change the pace and variance may prove to be crucial. Both can break partnerships and can contribute to swinging the match in the West Indies’ favour.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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