We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
International cricket returns to the Multan Cricket Stadium after 14 years. Although it is difficult to analyse how the pitch will behave, history suggests that it will be on the slower and lower side. The seamers might not find much assistance.
Teams
Probable XI for Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Khushdil Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
Probable XI for West Indies: Shai Hope (wk), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran (c), Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Kyle Mayers, Alzarri Joseph, Anderson Phillip/Jayden Seales, Hayden Walsh, Akeal Hosein
Power Players
Not very long ago, Australia found out that dismissing Babar Azam for a low score is a herculean task. In his last five ODIs, he has slammed three hundreds and a half-century. His recent run and track record makes him an overwhelming choice as a captain in fantasy leagues.
Imam-ul-Haq might have issues with the strike rate, but he ended up as the highest run-scorer (298) in the ODI series against Australia earlier this year. His scores read 103, 106, and 89*.
Although Shamarh Brooks is still young in his international career, he averages 45 in 9 ODIs. He also scored a 100 and a 60 in the recently concluded series against the Netherlands.
It will be interesting to see how the inexperienced West Indian batters handle the pace and swing of Shaheen Afridi. He has bagged 11 wickets in his last 5 ODIs at home.
Smart Picks
When West Indies visited Pakistan for T20Is last year, Brandon King added 111 runs in three outings. Moreover, he also scored 10, 91*, and 58* against the Netherlands in the ODIs.
Akeal Hosein has the ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs. The slow and low wickets should further aid his style of bowling. He finished as the highest wicket-taker (8) against the Netherlands.
Despite playing over 90 ODIs, Shai Hope has maintained an average of over 50, including 11 hundreds and 20 half-centuries. Furthermore, his conversion rate is right up with the very best. Besides his sound batting, he will also be adding fantasy points with the gloves.
Mohammad Rizwan might have got only one fifty in his last 10 ODI innings, but he remains a key figure with both bat and gloves. If he opens the batting, he has the ability to cut loose.
Shadab Khan is back from his injury. His innocuous leg-spin often breaks partnerships. Recently, he has also been making substantial contributions with the willow.
Haris Rauf might not necessarily strike in the powerplay, but rarely disappoints fantasy players in the death overs. His unique slower balls have been deceiving batters lately.
If West Indies are to compete with Pakistan, Alzarri Joseph’s new-ball spell will be crucial. His ability to move the ball late should keep him amongst the wickets.
Match Preview
West Indies are coming from a convincing 3-0 series win over the Netherlands. On the other hand, Pakistan beat Australia 2-1 at home in their previous ODI assignment. When West Indies last toured Pakistan in 2021, they were whitewashed in the T20Is. Going by recent history, the hosts will start as favorites.
Time: 8 June, 4.30 PM IST
