WI vs Pak Prediction: Back Ayub to keep fine form going in 1st ODI

After securing victory in the T20 series, Pakistan's white-ball tour of the West Indies moves into the 50-over phase as the first of three ODIs takes place on Friday. 

Dan Thomas returns with a look at the team news, likely conditions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and best bets as he gives us his West Indies v Pakistan predictions… 

Windies searching for form 

Having been routed 3-0 by England in their most recent ODI series, West Indies are languishing 10th in the ICC rankings and desperately need points in their bid to secure direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. 

They have named a 15-man squad for the opening match, captained by Shai Hope, with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph rested, leaving his spot to 23-year-old Jediah Blades, the left-arm seamer who has just one ODI under his belt. The return of all‑rounder Romario Shepherd, who missed earlier ODI tours due to IPL commitments, adds depth. 

Pakistan bolstered by returning stars 

Pakistan will arrive in Trinidad in confident form after clinching the T20I series 2-1. Their ODI line-up is strengthened by the return of batting stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who sat out the T20s, but Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the series after sustaining a left hamstring strain. 

Pitch Conditions & Weather 

The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba should offer initial pace and carry, before slowing down to aid spinners in the middle overs. There has only been one previous ODI at the venue, with India scoring 351 and beating the Windies by 200 runs. It's expected to be a dry, mild evening, promising a full, uninterrupted match. 

West Indies vs Pakistan 1st ODI Odds

With a strong recent ODI record including a series win in Australia and a record chase to beat South Africa, it's no surprise that Pakistan have been chalked up as clear favourites here at 8/15, with West Indies available at 6/4. The Windies may well have their backers at those prices though, given a reasonable recent home record, including a 2-1 win over England last winter.  

Top Batter/Bowler 

Despite only averaging 10 in the T20s, Hope is 5/2 favourite to top score for the hosts with Keacy Carty - who has topped the scoring in four of his last 14 - rated a 4/1 shot and Sherfane Rutherford priced at 5/1.  

Azam and Rizwan head the market for the visitors at 13/5 and 14/5 respectively, with Saim Ayub - overall top scorer in the T20 series - catching the eye at 7/2.  

On the bowling front, reliable spin option Gudakesh Motie heads the market for the Windies at 7/2 with the returning Shepherd a 4/1 shot. For the visitors, the always entertaining Shaheen Afridi is 5/2 jolly with fellow pacer Naseem Shah at 10/3.  

Best Bet 

I can't help but feel the West Indies offer a bit of mileage at 6/4 but they're simply too unreliable to trust so we will leave the match odds market alone for this one and use the first ODI as a watching brief.  

Instead, our money is on Ayub to maintain his fine form in the T20s, where he hit 130 runs, and to top score for the visitors at 7/2. It is a bet that would have paid out in five of his last nine ODI appearances.  

Dan Thomas 2025 Cricket P/L:

• Staked: 5.5pts 
• Returned: 2.1pts 
• P/L: -3.4pts 

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