ODI Series Between Windies & Pakistan to Bowl Off on Friday

Two time World champions the West Indies will on Friday embark upon a journey they hope will give them a shot at a third title, when they face another former champion Pakistan in the first of a three game ODI series.

The day/night fixture is set to bowl off at 1pm Jamaica time at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.

West Indies are currently tenth in the world ranking and must finish in the top nine at the cut off stage to gain automatic qualification to the 2027 World Cup to be hosted by Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The top 8 outside the hosts will qualify, but with Zimbabwe well outside the top 8, West Indies realistically need to finish in the top nine.

The Caribbean missed out on qualifying for the last two ICC 50 over tournaments, the World Cup in 2023 and this year’s Champions Trophy, they missed out on both, having failed to come through qualifying tournaments.

The Windies have played only six ODI’s in 2025, three games apiece against Ireland and England with only one win to show and must improve against a Pakistan team ranked four places above them.

Captain Shai Hope says the mood in the camp is one of confidence, as the players are aware of the stakes in this series..

He says they still need to stitch the top order so they can get a strong start in the first 10 overs.

Shai Hope.

Meanwhile the West Indies has been forced to make one change to the squad.

Academy pacer Johann Layne comes in to replace Matthew Forde who dislocated his left shoulder while attempting a catch during Wednesday’s training session.