Pakistan to host WI in historic Test series: Statistical preview
15 Jan 2025

Pakistan will host West Indies in a two-match Test series, under the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The first Test will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium from January 17.

This will be a historic moment in cricket, as it will be the first time in over 18 years that West Indies are playing a Test series on Pakistani soil.

Here is the statistical preview of the series.

Teams' standings in World Test Championship
WTC rankings

In the latest World Test Championship standings, Pakistan sit at seventh while West Indies is at the bottom in ninth.

The upcoming series presents both teams with an opportunity to improve their positions.

However, none of the two sides are any more in the race for a place in the WTC final as Australia and South Africa have already confirmed their berths.

Squads announced for Pakistan vs West Indies series
Team lineups

The squads for the upcoming series have also been announced.

Pakistan's team will be led by Shan Masood, with Saud Shakeel as vice-captain. Key pacers like Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah have been rested.

The West Indies squad will be captained by Kraigg Brathwaite, with Joshua Da Silva as his deputy.

While batter Amir Jangoo has earned a maiden Test call-up, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the side.

West Indies squad for Pakistan Tests
Fact

Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Joshua Da Silva (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.

Pakistan Test squad for West Indies series
Fact

Squad: Shan Masood (capt), Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Agha.

A look at the head-to-head record
H2H

As per ESPNcricinfo, Pakistan own 21 wins and 18 defeats in 54 Tests against the Caribbean team (Draws: 15).

Since the start of this century, Pakistan have won 11 of the 17 Tests against WI while losing five.

At home, Pakistan have recorded nine victories and four defeats against WI in this format (8 draws).

The two sides last played a Test in Pakistan way back in 2006.

Key performers for Pakistan
Pakistan

Babar Azam has scored 1,590 runs at an average of 58.88 in 16 home Tests.

Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan clobbered 500-plus Test runs apiece in 2024, averaging 41.84 and 44.91, respectively.

Noman Ali took 20 wickets in his last two Tests at home. His spin-bowling partner Sajid Khan took 19 wickets in these games.

Hence, the duo will be instrumental to Pakistan's chances.

Who are WI's key performers?
WI

Kemar Roach has taken 51 Test wickets at 27.94 since the start of 2022.

Jayden Seales averages 22.58 with the ball in this period as his tally includes 56 scalps.

Kraigg Brathwaite has scored 586 Test runs against Pakistan at a decent average of 36.62.

Gudakesh Motie averages 27.35 with the ball in Tests. He can also make some handy batting contributions.

Here are the approaching milestones
Milestones

Shan Masood needs 200 runs to get to 2,500 runs in Test matches.

Brathwaite needs 149 runs to touch the 6,000-run landmark in Test matches.

Sajid Khan is six short of completing 50 wickets in the Test format.

Roach needs 14 scalps to complete 100 Test wickets away from home.

Rizwan requires 125 runs to complete 1,000 Test runs at home.