The first T20 international of four between the West Indies and Pakistan takes place in Barbados on Sunday. We’re not used to four match series in this format of the game so it will be interesting to see what the intensity is like in this one but whoever wins the match will seize early control of the series.
West Indies
Despite being the world champions in this format the West Indies haven’t really convinced in it since they won the World T20 and in front of their own fans they will be eager to change that. The last time international cricket was in the Caribbean the home side were well beaten in an ODI series in England so this side may need to give something back to the people in these four matches.
If they are to do that then they are going to need bat a whole lot better than they did in that ODI series and indeed than they did when these two sides met in the UAE towards the end of last year. On both occasions too many men never got going and as a result the West Indies were easily beaten each time.
Pakistan
Things are the other way around for Pakistan. They disappointed most in the World T20 but then since that disaster they have gone unbeaten in four matches in this format and all four were against the two sides who made the final in India – England and the West Indies so that is a pretty decent form guide.
Much of their side head into this series off the back of a successful Pakistan Super League and they will be looking to keep the momentum of that going as they seek a return to the top levels of the one day game in each format. Interestingly I’ve always thought that Pakistan look a better side under Sarfraz’s leadership rather than say Azhar Ali.
Team News
West Indies aren’t completely at full strength here but given that Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell are injured and suspended respectively this is a pretty strong squad. Andre Fletcher has been released so Chadwick Walton will open and keep wicket.
Pakistan are without Sharjeel Khan who has a major storm hanging over his head and there is no Mohammad Amir for them either. Rumman Raees is expected to start.
Betting
In many ways both these sides are quite similar. Both have very strong looking bowling attacks and yet in the back of your mind you wouldn’t trust either batting line up despite the wicket at the Kensington Oval generally being good for batting.
From that point of view this looks a fairly even match up. West Indies are the world champions in this format which might add merit to them for some people but I strongly believe the captaincy of Darren Sammy was a huge part in that success and Carlos Brathwaite is unlikely to be anywhere near as strong as a captain.
That last point makes me think Pakistan could be good value here. We know that Sarfraz Ahmed can inspire them to produce their best and with the bowling attack they have their batsmen may only need to be adequate to get the job done. If they bat well they should be even better things so at odds against I’ll side with the tourists to open up the series with a win.
Tips
WON – Back Pakistan to win 1st T20 for a 4/10 stake at 2.20 with Betfred
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