West Indies vs Pakistan – 2nd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is West Indies vs Pakistan taking place? Saturday, July 31st, 2021 – 16:00 (UK)
Where is West Indies vs Pakistan taking place? Guyana National Stadium, Providence
What is the expected weather for West Indies vs Pakistan? 25c and cloudy with a moderate breeze
What channel is West Indies vs Pakistan on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport in the UK
Where can I stream West Indies vs Pakistan? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website and app
LAST MEETING
No result
THE TEAM NEWS
WEST INDIES
- West Indies may have been happy to see the first T20i between themselves and Pakistan rained off, having been reduced to 85/5 before rain curtailed proceedings, although they were going along at a rate of almost ten an over despite having lost five wickets.
- Captain Kieron Pollard was showing signs of danger having been 22 not out from nine balls before rain intervened, although Nicolas Pooran was the only other Windies player to have reached double figures.
- Opener Lendl Simmons was forced to retire hurt on 9 having been struck on the neck by a bouncer from Muhammad Wasim and had a sling on his right arm as he was taken off the pitch, so his participation in the second T20i is in huge doubt.
PAKISTAN
- Pakistan will likely be the more satisfied of the two sides from a performance perspective following the limited amount of play afforded from the first T20i, picking up regular wickets despite proving expensive run wise.
- The large range of bowling options afforded to the tourists bodes well going forward with leg-spin bowler Usman Qadir taking one wicket for just six runs from his only over, whilst fast bowler Muhammad Wasim’s two overs brought about two wickets for the loss of just 11 runs.
- It would be a big surprise if Pakistan were to make any changes to their team when taking into account how little play was accrued in the first T20i, with the likes of Qadir and opener Sharjeel Khan certain to be given another opportunity.
THE PREDICTION
West Indies will always look to play aggressively with the bat in 20 over cricket, however they do need to be careful of losing too many wickets too early, leaving themselves short heading into the final overs of their innings. However, Pollard in particular showed ominous signs of his explosive best in the first T20i and on what will still be a fresh Guyana pitch having suffered nine overs of traffic in the last game, the Windies will be confident of accruing a high score whether they bat first or second. Pakistan’s batting meanwhile, doesn’t appear to boast the depth contained by the hosts and this may prove the difference in this second T20i, with West Indies favoured to come out on top.
