3rd ODI: Pakistan win toss, bowl first against West Indies

Trouba (Web Desk): In the series-deciding third ODI at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday, Pakistan chose to bowl first after winning the toss against the West Indies.

Both sides tweaked their playing XIs for this crucial clash. Pakistan brought in young fast bowler Naseem Shah in place of Shaheen Afridi, while the hosts replaced Jediah Blades with the experienced Romario Shepherd.

Although the West Indies hold a slight edge in overall one-day international encounters between the two nations—winning 72 of their 139 meetings compared to Pakistan’s 64 victories—the Caribbean side has struggled in recent years to assert dominance over the Green Shirts. In fact, their last ODI series win against Pakistan dates all the way back to 1991, a 34-year drought they’ll be desperate to end.

Pakistan, on the other hand, are eyeing a strong finish to their Caribbean tour, having already clinched the T20I series. A win in today’s match would offer a measure of redemption following their disappointing 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand in their last 50-over series.

With the series currently level, both teams have everything to play for in this final contest.

Teams

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, and Abrar Ahmed.

West Indies: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(C/WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.