West Indies vs Pakistan Preview: Amir inclusion boosts Pakistan

The Nightwatchman
May 31, 2019
3 min read

Pakistan will seek inspiration from their dramatic Champions Trophy win in England two years ago when they take the field in their opening World Cup match against a resurgent West Indies on Friday.

Pakistan have lost their past ten one-day internationals including a 5-0 whitewash by Australia and 4-0 thumping by England, and their problems were further compounded when they went down to outsiders Afghanistan by three wickets in a warm-up match.

But the Pakistani hopes lie in finding inspiration from when they were in a similar position in 2017.

Pakistan had lost 4-1 in Australia before the tournament and arch-rivals India whipped them by 124 runs in the opening game of the Trophy.

But Pakistan then beat South Africa, Sri Lanka and England on their way to the final, where they thumped India by 180 runs.

The West Indies on the other hand have been in superb form in 2019, a drawn series against England in February, before their stars shone in the IPL, and most recently some impressive performances in the warm-up matches both in Ireland and England.

Shai Hope has been in impressive form, scores of 170 vs Ireland, 109 vs Bangladesh and 101 vs New Zealand have all come in the month of May, whilst Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer and Evin Lewis have all been in good nick. On the back of their incredible 421 innings against New Zealand, it's no surprise all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite to predict the West Indies have the capability to pass 500 in this years World Cup. For the strength of the West Indies batting, their bowling leaves you wondering if this will be their shortfall in this attempt to win their first World Cup in 40 years. Skipper Jason Holder and quick Kemar Roach will spearhead an attack that boasts relatively average international bowlers like Sheldon Cottrell, Fabian Allen and spinner Ashley Nurse.

WATCH OUT FOR - Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir will be playing in his first World Cup in 2019

Pakistan will also hope his spearhead — Mohammad Amir — playing his first World Cup after missing the 2011 and 2015 editions due to a spot-fixing ban — will dismantle the West Indies top order boasting hard-hitting opener Chris Gayle and the impressive Shai Hope.

His form will be crucial for Pakistan throughout the World Cup — he has taken just five wickets in 15 matches since his match-winning three wickets against India in the Champions Trophy final - and I expect him to start the campaign off on the front foot.

PREDICTION Pakistan have only won three times in 10 World Cup matches against the two-time world champions, and going off the back of recent form where the Windies have been excelling, Pakistan suffered a shock loss to Afghanistan just one week ago. For Pakistan to win, Mohammad Amir and co. will have to restrict the West Indies to under 250. I see the men from the Caribbean being too strong and to join England on the top of the table. West Indies to win by 50-70 runs or 5 wickets. STATISTICS HEAD TO HEAD ODI HEAD TO HEAD IN WORLD CUPS Matches: 133 Matches: 10 West Indies: 70 West Indies: 7