World Cup 2019: Pakistan takes on West Indies in opening encounter today

Pakistan would begin its ICC World Cup 2019 today as they take on the West Indies in their first encounter of the tournament at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

With two back-to-back ODI series whitewash at the hands of Australia and England, and also losing to minnows Afghanistan at the World Cup warm-ups, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side does not seem to have the stats in their favour.

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 aggressive batting line of the Windies boosting the likes of Chris Gayle, Shai Hope and the deadly Andre Russell.

“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.

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.

Pakistan also pinned their hopes on the last minute entry  of bowling spearhead Mohammad Amir, the fast bowler has been in a prolonged bowling slump. However, his performance at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, which was held in England makes him a deadly bowler in these conditions.

The match starts at 2:30pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST).

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.