WI vs PAK 1st ODI: Lineups, Fantasy Picks, and All the Big Talking Points
Cricket fans have their eyes on the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad as West Indies and Pakistan kick off their much-anticipated three-match ODI series on August 8, 2025. It’s more than just another bilateral—Pakistan walks in with a point to prove after a bruising Champions Trophy campaign and a clean sweep loss in New Zealand. Senior pros Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are back in the fold, bringing much-needed experience and stability to a side desperate for wins.
The match starts at 2 pm local time (11:30 pm IST), and the Brian Lara track is at the center of fantasy talk. This ground is known for its balanced contest: the new ball skips and bounces, offering joy to quicks early on—especially under the Caribbean twilight—but by the second half, spin comes to life as the pitch slows down. An average first-innings score near 350 is misleading; on tougher days, 260–280 can be well above par. Spinners often rule the middle overs, making selection for Dream11 fantasy teams a tricky puzzle.
Teams and Fantasy XIs: Who’s In and Who’s Hot?
Poor showings recently mean Pakistan isn’t messing about. The likely XI brings together reliable opener Abdullah Shafique, the promising Saim Ayub, and big names Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan, moving into the captain’s chair, will own the gloves, aiming to bring back discipline and composure. Middle-order options like Salman Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed offer flexibility, while a bowling trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf keeps things lively with pace. Usama Mir and Abrar Ahmed handle the spinning duties, with Usama also chipping in as a late-order hitter.
West Indies are sticking with explosive opener Brandon King and reliable Evin Lewis up top. Shai Hope not only brings a cool head but also commands the gloves. Sherfane Rutherford is their X-factor finisher, with Roston Chase and returning Romario Shepherd giving stability down the order. In the spin department, Gudakesh Motie is the name to watch—he’s made waves recently by tying batters in knots, and these conditions should suit him perfectly. Alzarri Joseph and left-armer Obed McCoy headline a deep seam attack.
WI vs PAK Dream11 managers face some hard calls. Rizwan’s consistency and Hope’s record in Trinidad make them automatic wicketkeeper selections. Babar Azam is a lock for run accumulation, and Brandon King could go big if he survives the new ball. Sherfane Rutherford is primed for fireworks late in the innings. Saim Ayub’s knack for quick starts adds another layer. For all-rounders, Chase brings both spin and safe lower-order runs, while Ayub can chip in with handy overs or quick scoring up top.
- Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan (PAK), Shai Hope (WI)
- Batters: Babar Azam (PAK), Brandon King (WI), Salman Agha (PAK), Sherfane Rutherford (WI)
- All-rounders: Roston Chase (WI), Saim Ayub (PAK)
- Bowlers: Gudakesh Motie (WI), Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK), Naseem Shah (PAK)
Tactical captaincy calls are crucial—Babar’s consistency up top makes him a strong captaincy bet, while Motie’s potential to bag wickets as the pitch slows is tempting for those willing to risk going against the grain. Saim Ayub and Shai Hope are solid vice-captain choices for those seeking a balance of upside and safety.
Key advice for Dream11 players: Don’t chase death bowlers too heavily; this pitch slows and makes finishing tough. Focus on spinners likely to bowl two spells (like Motie or Abrar Ahmed), and don’t miss out on the top three batters from either side—they’ll have the best chance to cash in before conditions get tricky. Early overs could see the ball zip, but it’s the tweakers doing the damage once the surface tires.
This first ODI is set up to deliver a close, tactical scrap—a test for captains and fantasy managers alike. Will Pakistan’s experience tilt the scales, or will home knowledge and spin spring a West Indies surprise?