During the emergency meeting, called by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), after their side rolled over for 27 runs during the third pink-ball Test against Australia in Jamaica, in the presence of Brian Lara, Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Desmond Haynes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and current head coach, Darren Sammy, the future roadmap to success was discussed.

Since the end of the Test series, West Indies lost their five-match T20I series at home against Australia by 0-5 margin before losing the T20I series against Pakistan. However, they won the ODI series against the Mohammed Rizwan-led side by a margin of 2-1. Lara questioned whether the players still have the same motivation to play for the national side, apart from all the franchise T20 leagues.

See Also: Is Mohammed Rizwan's captaincy is the reason for Pakistan's downfall?

“It's been that case for years, where we are not on the same level-playing field as other playing countries. Back in the days when skill was the prominent factor, we excelled; we were the best team in the world. But the game has evolved, and technology and analytics, and we now have to see a new way of finding ourselves back to being very competitive.” The former West Indies captain expressed.

Brian Lara questions West Indies players’ motivation between franchise leagues and national side

It’s not a new issue among the modern-day West Indies players, who, on many occasions, have prioritized the T20 leagues around the world over the chance to represent their national side. That’s where they missed several key figures and suffered as a team.

“What motivates youngsters today? It might not be just representing the West Indies 365 days of the year. It might be playing in an IPL, a BBL, or something else. We have to find out those interests and see where West Indies cricket can still benefit from the youngsters. It's a long road; it's not going to happen tomorrow.” Brian Lara addressed.

“West Indies cricket is still very important in the minds of all youngsters, male and female, and when looking at cricket as a career. I think you have to understand that in different eras and decades, there are different motivational factors. In the '50s and early part of the '60s, we were thinking about independence; we can govern ourselves.” The Trinidad-born shed light.

Under the captaincy of Babar Azam, Pakistan had a horrible performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India, where they failed to qualify for the semifinal stage. That led to the veteran stepping down from the responsibility, as the Pakistan side was needed to shoulder the responsibility of the national side. 

For the next year, Pakistan didn’t play a single 50-over fixture, which gave their selectors enough time to work on the next leader. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s name was discussed, but being a fast bowler, there was a risk of the pacer being rested in a few series. That’s when the attention moved to the experienced wicket-keeper batter, Mohammed Rizwan.

Mohammed Rizwan’s successful start with three successive ODI series victories

It was a great start for the Pakistan side to end the 2024 season as they earned three successive away ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Down under, they lost the opening clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the home side chased down 204 runs with two wickets in hand. But the tourists made a cracking comeback in the second game, chasing down 169 runs with nine wickets in hand.

During the series decider at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the Green Brigade blew away the home side for 140 runs in the first innings before they chased down the target by eight wickets and nearly 25 overs to spare.

See Also: Scott Boland leaks Australia's potential bowling line-up for opening Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

They flew to Zimbabwe, as Rizwan got a break from the leadership before a huge trip to South Africa. As expected, Salman Ali Agha led the side perfectly to earn a 2-1 series victory. In the last game, they destroyed the home side for 204 runs to earn the 99-run victory.

But the biggest challenge was going to be in the Rainbow Nation, which hadn’t lost a 50-over series for a long time at home. Pakistan chased down 242 runs in the opening fixture at Boland Park in Paarl before restricting the home side for 248 runs in the 329-run defense at Newlands in Cape Town during the second encounter.

During the third fixture, they rolled over the Proteas for 271 runs in their chase of 309 runs to mark the 36-run victory, to record the 2-1 series win. It was a golden period, as many expected them to dominate the home Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan’s poor performance in ODIs since January 2025

The new year hasn’t gone well for the Pakistan side in the 50-over format. They played three group-stage clashes in the Champions Trophy 2025 and still couldn’t win a single clash, with the final encounter ending as a no-result against Bangladesh, with the game being abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Fakhar Zaman got injured in the curtain-raiser of the event as Pakistan leaked 320 runs in the first innings to New Zealand after Tom Latham remained unbeaten on 118 runs in 104 balls with the help of 10 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 113.46. The home side added just 260 runs on the board, which was never enough to win the contest.

They flew to Dubai for the second clash against India, who went with three spinners in the game. Their batters got starts, but none of them were able to put a huge score on the board. Captain Rizwan smashed 46 runs in 77 balls while Saud Shakeel, promoted to number three, cracked 62 runs in 76 deliveries.

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 runs, with Shreyas Iyer’s 56 runs in 67 balls, led their chase in 42.3 overs by six wickets. Even if they had won the final game against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi, things would have remained the same.

Just after the end of the tournament, Pakistan lost the opening clash against New Zealand in Napier as they made 271 runs and fell short by 73 runs in the chase of 345 runs. In the second clash, their batting failed in the 293-run chase by 84 runs, while the trend continued in Mount Maunganui as they were short of the 265-run chase by 43 runs.

Then came the recent away three-match series against the West Indies, where they won the first game in Trinidad by chasing 284 runs by five wickets with seven balls to spare. However, in the last two encounters, their batting failed terribly after getting bundled out for 92 runs in the third game’s chase to give away a win of 202 runs, losing the first ODI series to West Indies in 34 years.

As captain of Pakistan’s ODI side, Rizwan has smashed 625 runs in 18 innings at an average of 41.66 and a strike rate of just 74/94. With the help of three fifties and one century at the best score of unbeaten 122 runs.  

The former Pakistan opening batter, Ahmed Shahzad, has again mocked the ODI performance of the former captain, Babar Azam, during the three-match ODI series against West Indies at the Brian Lara Stadium, where the veteran failed terribly, which resulted in their first 50-over series defeat against this opposition in 34 years.

Shehzad reckoned that the trend of comparing batters with the modern-day great, Virat Kohli, should stop immediately. His comments came after Babar made just 56 runs in the three innings. Out of these, his first knock saw him getting 47 runs along with a duck in the second encounter at Tarouba against the West Indies. Shehzad felt that many batters can’t handle the pressure as Kohli does.

See Also: Know how Shri Shiv Rudrashtakam Stotra contributed to India’s victory during ENG vs IND 5th Test

“When everything was going well, you were running campaigns comparing players. Now that the performances are not coming, you are saying, ‘Don’t compare two players. ’ Why not? Virat Kohli’s comparison cannot be made with anyone in the world. He is a legend of this generation, a role model.” The former Pakistan opening batter expressed as the video went viral.

Watch: Ahmed Shahzad mocks Babar Azam’s failure during WI vs PAK 2025 ODI series  

It has been a tough period for Babar in the ODI formats as he has now gone 72 consecutive innings without a century. His last hundred came against Nepal during the home fixture of the Asia Cup 20223. No other cricketer has endured a longer drought without a century since 2023. Shahzad also refused to compare MS Dhoni with Virat Kohli.

Ahmad shahzad on babar AZAM performance against westindies #BabarAzam #BabarAzam𓃵 #PakvsWI #WIvsPAK pic.twitter.com/lWphZhsrfB

— Altamash Iqbal (@altamashi25) August 12, 2025

“You cannot compare him even with MS Dhoni. Dhoni may have been a great captain, but as a batter, cricketer, and athlete, Kohli stands alone. No one should be compared with anyone because it’s unfair and it adds extra pressure, which we are now seeing on Babar Azam.” The former opening batter shed light.

There were so many expectations from the batter during their 295-run chase in the last 50-over clash, especially when they lost two early wickets in the second innings. But Babar ended with just nine runs in 23 balls after being trapped leg before the stumps on the bowling of Jaydan Seales. As a team, the Green Brigade suffered a huge 202-run defeat.

West Indies and Pakistan came into the third and final encounter of the 50-over series with a 1-1 drawn margin at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. It had been 34 years since the Caribbean side beat Pakistan in an ODI series, as the touring captain, Mohammed Rizwan, won the toss and chose to bowl first on a surface which he anticipated would get better in the second innings.

The home side didn’t enjoy a great start, but the 110-run seventh-wicket stand between captain Shai Hope and Justin Graves provided them with the vital firepower. The former smashed an unbeaten knock of 120 runs in 94 balls at a strike rate of 127.66 with the help of 10 boundaries and five sixes, while Greaves drilled an undefeated 43 runs in 24 balls at a strike rate of 180.

See Also: New Zealand star switches to Scotland ahead of World Cup League 2 matches

Later, it was Jayden Seales, who ran through the visiting batting line with his incredible bowling performance. He drew the first blood when Saim Ayub got an outside edge into the hands of the wicket-keeper for a three-ball duck. In the third over, Abdullah Shafique’s mistimed shot ended his life for an eight-ball duck.

Watch: Jayden Seales rips apart Pakistan to end 34-year-old ODI series drought

The Trinidad-born sent back the opponent captain for the first ball duck. It was the good length delivery that nipped back sharply to break the stumps of Rizwan, who was completely flummoxed with the movement. The final nail in the coffin during the chase was Babar Azam’s leg before the stumps dismissals for nine runs.

Jayden Seales is soooo underrated. Got his maiden 5fer too! #WIvPAK pic.twitter.com/YhaQLD2ctb

— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) August 12, 2025

Seales later came back to hold the caught-and-bowled dismissal of Naseem Shah for six runs. The right-handed batter couldn’t keep the short ball on the surface as it lobbed off the shoulder before the bowler grabbed a fine catch. His sixth wicket was Hasan Ali, whose defense was breached on the third ball for a duck.

Seales ended with 6/18, which is the joint second-best figures by a West Indies men’s ODI player. The visitors were folded up for just 92 runs, which saw the West Indies side win their first 50-over series over this opposition in 34 years.

WI vs PAK Match Preview

The host West Indies will take on Pakistan in the third and final one-day series game on Tuesday at Trinidad's Brian Lara Cricket Stadium. In a rain-affected match, the Men in Maroon defeated Pakistan by five wickets to level the ODI series. Captain Shai Hope hopes that the team can play their best cricket in the series decider. On the opposing side, Pakistan will be eager to make amends and improve their performance against the West Indies in the series' final game.

WI vs PAK Match Details

West Indies vs Pakistan – 3rd ODI Match, West Indies Series 2025

Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, San Fernando

Date & Time: 12th August 2025 at 07:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

WI vs PAK Venue Stats

WI vs PAK Pitch Report

The pitch set at Brian Lara Cricket Stadium will make for an interesting battle between bat and ball. Spinners will undoubtedly play an important role in determining the match's outcome.

WI vs PAK Weather Report

The weather is going to be mostly cloudy, with the possibility of light showers overnight. 

WI vs PAK Last Five Matches

WI vs PAK Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: AUS vs SA Dream11 Prediction 2nd T20I match

WI vs PAK Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi

West Indies Probable Playing XIs

Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd/Justin Greaves, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jediah Blades

Topmost Picks for WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – West Indies

• Roston Chase – Roston Chase played well for West Indies, scoring an unbeaten 49 off 47 balls with four boundaries and two sixes.
• Jayden Seales – Jayden Seales was selected of the bowlers for West Indies, taking 3 for 23 in his seven overs.

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Hussain Talat – Hussain Talat scored 31 runs off 32 balls, hitting 4 fours and no sixes, at a strike rate of 96.88.
• Mohammad Nawaz –  Mohammad Nawaz bowled 7 overs, conceding 17 runs and taking 2 wickets, at an economy rate of 2.43.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for WI vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Salman Agha, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub(C), Roston Chase(VC), Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Babar Azam, Saim Ayub

Vice-captain – Shai Hope, Roston Chase

Wicketkeeper – Shai Hope

WI vs PAK Probable Winners:

Based on their current form, Pakistan will be the minor favorites to win the final match in the series against the West Indies. With an array of proven performers on their roster, the Green Shirts will be eager to bring their A-game to this must-win game. On the other hand, the West Indies will need to deliver something special to win the series against Pakistan. Considering the team combination, Pakistan is expected to win this match.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammed Rizwan, hopes to see his bowling department find form during the third encounter of the three-game ODI series in the Caribbean as the series is now drawn at 1-1, after the home side made a terrific comeback with the five-wicket victory at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. 

The Shai Hope-led West Indies side proved to be stronger than the tourists, Pakistan as they chased down 184 runs in 33.2 overs with five wickets in hand as Sherfane Rutherford smashed 45 runs in 33 balls at a strike rate of 136.36, thanks to four boundaries and three sixes, along with Roston Chase’s unbeaten 49 runs in 47 balls.

See Also: Sanju Samson's cousin reveals four interested teams to sign star batter ahead of IPL 2026

“You could say our fifth bowler gave away too many runs (today), but in recent years, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub have both bowled well for us. Saim didn’t have the best day today, but he performed well in the T20Is. That’s just part of the game. Honestly, the weather forecast has been completely different from expectations, and it’s hard to read.” Rizwan addressed the post-match press conference.

Pakistan captain blames this for their defeat against West Indies 

The victory for the West Indies side was their first over Pakistan in more than six years, with their previous win against the Asian side before the 2019 edition of the ODI World Cup. The aim for the West Indies side is, however, different, with their eyes on the qualification of the 50-over World Cup for the 2027 season, as their coach, Darren Sammy, addressed.

“We always speak about partnerships, and we just want to get better in every area, so I am happy with the win today. It was great to see our guys adapt in the middle overs, and credit has to go to Chase and Greaves for sealing the deal and to Sherfane (Rutherford) too, who gave us impetus.” Captain Shai Hope noted.

The third ODI of the series will take place on August 12 at the same venue, as both sides will look to do better with their respective departments.

WI vs PAK Match Preview

The host West Indies will take on Pakistan in the second one-day series game on Saturday at Trinidad's Brian Lara Cricket Stadium. The Men in Maroon will look to learn from their mistakes and mount an impressive comeback against Pakistan. Captain Shai Hope is going to be hoping that the team's overall performance with the bat and ball improves in order to level the three-match ODI series. Pakistan, on the other hand, defeated the West Indies by four wickets, thanks to outstanding performances by Hasan Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Hussain Talat, and Mohammad Rizwan. With this result, the West Indies now lead the T20I series 1-0.

WI vs PAK Match Details

West Indies vs Pakistan – 2nd ODI Match, West Indies Series 2025

Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, San Fernando

Date & Time: 10th August 2025 at 07:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

WI vs PAK Venue Stats

WI vs PAK Pitch Report

The pitch set at Brian Lara Cricket Stadium will make for an interesting battle between bat and ball. Spinners will undoubtedly play an important role in determining the match's outcome.

WI vs PAK Weather Report

The weather is going to be mostly cloudy, with the possibility of light showers overnight. 

WI vs PAK Last Five Matches

WI vs PAK Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: The Hundred 2025: SOB vs BPH Dream11 Prediction 07th Match

WI vs PAK Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem

West Indies Probable Playing XIs

Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jediah Blades

Topmost Picks for WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – West Indies

• Evin Lewis – Evin Lewis scored 60 runs off 62 balls, hitting 5 fours, at a strike rate of 96.77.
• Shamar Joseph – Shamar Joseph was the key bowler for the bowlers for West Indies, taking 2 for 50 in his nine overs.

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Hasan Nawaz – Debutant Hasan Nawaz scored a match-winning game of 63 not out off 54 balls, which included four fours and three sixes.
• Shaheen Afridi –  Left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi was the key bowler for Pakistan, taking 4 for 51 in eight overs.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for WI vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub(C), Roston Chase(VC), Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Babar Azam, Saim Ayub

Vice-captain – Shai Hope, Roston Chase

Wicketkeeper – Shai Hope

WI vs PAK Probable Winners:

Pakistan is expected to win the game against the West Indies based on their current form. Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Nawaz all performed well in the series opener, and the team leadership will be looking for more of the same in this game. Considering the team combination, Pakistan is expected to win this match.

WI vs PAK Match Preview

The host West Indies will face Pakistan in the first ODI of the series on Friday at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. The men in maroon will be eager to improve their showings in the three-match ODI series. Skipper Shai Hope will be hopeful that the team can improve their overall performance with bat and ball in this first match. Pakistan will hope to turn things around in the one-day series' first match. After losing seven of their nine matches this season, Skipper Mohammad Rizwan will be eager to field their strongest lineup for this first match.

WI vs PAK Match Details

West Indies vs Pakistan – 1st ODI Match, West Indies Series 2025

Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, San Fernando

Date & Time: 08th August 2025 at 11:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

WI vs PAK Venue Stats

WI vs PAK Pitch Report

Fast bowlers typically enjoy the bounce, particularly early on when there is some carry. Batting becomes easier as the ball softens, but strokeplay still requires timing over brute force in the middle overs

WI vs PAK Weather Report

The weather is going to be mostly cloudy, with the possibility of light showers overnight. 

WI vs PAK Last Five Matches

WI vs PAK Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: The Hundred 2025: BPH vs TRT Dream11 Prediction 04th Match

WI vs PAK Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Muqeem, Shaheen Shah Afridi

West Indies Probable Playing XIs

Shai Hope (c & wk), Jewel Andrews, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales

Topmost Picks for WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – West Indies

• Keacy Carty – Keacy Carty, has been a breath of fresh air in one-day international cricket for the struggling West Indies since his debut.
• Jayden Seales – Jayden Seales, a young pacer, comes into the game having taken 13 wickets in six games and bowling at an economy rate of around 6 runs per over.

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Mohammad Rizwan – Mohammad Rizwan is among Pakistan's most experienced batsmen among this squad. He has a great record against the West Indies, averaging almost 80 runs in ten innings.
• Naseem Shah –  With his explosive performances, 22-year-old pacer Naseem Shah capitalized and has established himself as a team mainstay. He has taken 13 wickets in his previous nine games

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for WI vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Shai Hope(VC), Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam(C), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Saim Ayub, Roston Chase, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Babar Azam, Jayden Seales

Vice-captain – Shai Hope, Mohammad Rizwan

Wicketkeeper – Shai Hope

WI vs PAK Probable Winners:

Both teams will enter the contest hoping to get off to a good start. On paper, Pakistan appear to be a far more solid team than the West Indies, who will rely on some key players to deliver a match-winning performance. Considering the team combination, Pakistan is expected to win this match.

It was just after the last ball of the 17th over, when Roston Chase, a veteran West Indies batter and the captain of the Test side, walked off the field. He was struggling with 15 runs in 12 deliveries in the huge run chase, where the required run-rate for the home side was getting over 15, as on a slow and low surface, the right-handed batter lacked rhythm.

Chase has become the first batter to retire out during the men’s T20Is featuring two full-member teams. They failed to chase the target of 190 runs in the deciding contest of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Florida.

See Also: Australia star provides his game plan for AUS vs SA 2025 ODI series

The Shai Hope-led side went off to a flying start with Alick Athanaze smashing 60 runs in 40 balls at a strike rate of 150, but slowed down in the middle overs once the spinners came into the attack. When Alick was dismissed, the scoreboard read 110/3 with 80 runs required in seven overs of the encounter.

Roston Chase becomes first full-member team batter to retire out in T20Is

There had been only one instance previously where a batter decided to retire out in a men’s T20I featuring a full-member team. It occurred during the 2024 T20 World Cup clash when Namibia’s opening batter, Nikolaas Davin, returned out after getting just 18 runs in 16 balls during their chase of 126 runs in ten overs against England in North Sound, Antigua.

All ten other dismissals have a record in games involving the associate nations. It was coincidental that Chase had been retired out once in the shortest format. During the International League T20 at the start of the team, his franchise, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, were facing the MI Emirates when Chase, even after scoring 20 in 13 balls, retired out. He walked out to bat in the 12th over and left the field in the 18th.

West Indies, who lost this T20I series by a 2-1 margin, will now shift their focus to the ODI leg against Pakistan, starting from August 08 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.

Pakistan has faced a huge setback just after two T20Is in their Caribbean trip of the white-ball series, which also includes three one-day internationals. Their star opening batter, Fakhar Zaman, has been ruled out of the third T20I and the following three-match 50-over series against the West Indies after sustaining a left hamstring strain during the second fixture in Lauderhill. 

Khusdil Shah replaced the left-handed opening batter in the playing eleven of the third encounter. Fakhar Zaman picked up the injury during the 19th over of the West Indies’ innings when he was chasing a ball in the outfield. He pulled up his hammy as the subsequent medical assessment by the team’s support staff confirmed a mild strain on his left hamstring.

See Also: India’s bowling coach reveals game plan against England for Day 5 of ENG vs IND 5th Test

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that immediate treatment and the required initial management had already been provided to the player, who will now fly back home on August 04, the day after the end of the T20I series. His rehabilitation will continue under the supervision of the PCB medical side at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Pakistan’s remainder of Caribbean trip with hamstring injury

The board is likely to name a replacement if there is a requirement for the 50-over squad. The opening batter got starts in both the opening games of the series at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Florida, but the issue was not to carry the momentum and kick on from there, having scores of 28 and 20.

The injury to the 35-year-old has now raised an uncanny issue among the selectors, who went through the same during the Champions Trophy earlier this year. On the second ball of the opening game, Zaman, looking to stop the cover drive, pulled up in discomfort before getting ruled out of the event the following day. Even at that time, Saim Ayub was also unavailable as he had injured himself while chasing a ball and spent three months on the sidelines.

The opening 50-over clash of the three-match series will begin on August 08 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.