World Cup 2019: Mercurial Pakistan aims to dismantle rising West Indies

The Men in Green would aim to open their World Cup 2019 account on a winning note, as they take on the West Indies in their tournament’s first fixture on Friday at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

Pakistan under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed has undergone a slump in limited overs cricket, losing two back to back series against Australia and England, respectively.

“The boys are motivated and are eager to put these losses behind them and by playing in England for a month we are well prepared and you will hopefully see us doing well,” Sarfaraz told AFP.

The bowling line has been a major concern for Pakistan, as bowlers continue to go for runs added with a mediocre fielding, which needed to be sorted out as they take on the rising Windies batting line.

For Pakistan, spin would be the key as leggie Shadab Khan joins the party, and could prove crucial in choking the runs and picking up wickets in the middle overs.

Sarfaraz will also hope his spearhead Mohammad Amir, who return into the squad at the last moment  will dismantle the West Indies top order boasting hard-hitting opener Chris Gayle and the impressive Shai Hope.

Squads:

Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz.

West Indies: Jason Holder (capt), Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas.