Predicting WI’s Playing XI for the 3rd ODI against PAK in Pakistan tour of West Indies 2025

In a competitive series, the West Indies secured a tight win in the 2nd ODI at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, through fearless and lively cricket. With the series tied and the momentum swinging, the 3rd ODI promises to be an exciting matchup between two competitive sides. The Caribbean team is hoping to build on its recent performance, most notably its batting depth and effective bowling attack, and clinch the series at home. Now, let us take a look at the predicted playing XI, analyzing individuals who performed well in the last match and examining how they may impact the outcome of this crucial match.

Openers

West Indies will need attacking batters to get the best out of a pitch that showed variable bounce and little assistance to the bowlers. Brandon King and Evin Lewis seem set to make the team. Both were out very early in the 2nd ODI for 1 and 7, respectively; however, their history and intent outweigh that.

Lewis is a powerful hitter who can quickly score runs during the power play. The key for the West Indies is turning promising starts from these players into significant scores if they aim to post their highest total in the 3rd ODI.

Middle Order

From the middle order forward, the West Indies’ batting prowess is visible. Shai Hope, the captain, made a crucial 32 runs and has always been an effective finisher. He provides a de-stabilizing and calming approach to partnership building by being another top-order sandwich as a key figure in the batting order. 

Sherfane Rutherford’s 45 runs off 33 balls in the last game provided crucial momentum in the middle overs. Rutherford’s aggressive strike rate balances well with Hope’s stabilizing role and weighing risk against responsibility. They are going to be the players who take the West Indies out of high-risk situations and accelerate the innings at the conclusion.

All-Rounders

Roston Chase is still the all-rounder the West Indies can turn to for needed contributions with bat and ball. His 49 not out and economical spell of 1/26 in the 2nd ODI indicated that he can change the game with bat and ball. Aside from his ability to perform in vital moments, Chase’s experience adds balance to the squad, which can also create flexibility in the batting line-up while providing the team with a bowling option. 

Gudakesh Motie may have gone unused with the bat last game, but he bowled well and took a wicket. Motie’s left-arm spin could be useful on the Brian Lara Stadium pitch and potentially cause problems for Pakistan’s middle-order.

Bowlers

Seales’s bowling masterclass of 3 for 23 demonstrated his leadership and ability to break partnerships in the middle overs. Seales’ speed and ability to swing the ball will present a significant threat to the Pakistani batsmen. Gudakesh Motie’s tight spin needs mention as well, and his economical bowling and important wicket kept the pressure on. Both of these bowlers will likely lead the attack heading into the 3rd ODI with the focus on restricting the opposition runs in a relatively chaseable total.

The West Indies match-winners in the 3rd ODI could be the explosive opening duo of King and Lewis, the solidified middle order of Hope and Rutherford, and the all-round match-winner Roston Chase. On the bowling side, Seales’ seam threat, complemented by Motie’s spin options, will be crucial to combat Pakistan’s batting lineup. 

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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