After two closely fought contests, the one‑day series between West Indies and Pakistan is finely poised at 1–1. The decider will be played on 12 August 2025 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, with the first ball scheduled for 14:30 BST (09:30 local time). Both sides have shown glimpses of brilliance over the past week: Pakistan drew first blood with a controlled chase in the opening ODI, while West Indies responded with an impressive five‑wicket win on Sunday. With the weather set fair and passionate Caribbean fans expected to fill the stands, the series finale should be a thrilling watch.
West Indies recent form
The hosts come into the match with renewed confidence after levelling the series. West Indies’ recent one‑day record, however, still shows only one win in their last five ODIs. A 2‑1 series defeat against England in June was followed by defeat in the first ODI of this series, leaving them under pressure.
In the second ODI, West Indies’ bowlers laid the foundation for victory. Jayden Seales’ blistering opening burst (3‑23) reduced Pakistan to 171 for 7 and rain trimmed the match to a 35‑over chase. Chasing a revised target of 181, West Indies lost both openers cheaply but rallied through Sherfane Rutherford’s 45 off 40 balls and a composed 49* from all‑rounder Roston Chase, who also contributed 1 for 26 with the ball. Captain Shai Hope added a steady 32 as the hosts crossed the line with ten balls to spare.
The first ODI told a different story. After posting 280 thanks to half‑centuries from Evin Lewis (60), Shai Hope (55) and Roston Chase (53), West Indies’ attack failed to defend the total. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah’s incisive bowling at the death restricted them and Pakistan’s lower order capitalised. West Indies’ bowlers will be encouraged by Seales’ continued improvement and the control offered by spinners Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase, but the batting remains reliant on Hope, Lewis and the in‑form Keacy Carty (618 runs at 61.8 average across his last ten ODIs). They will also hope for more runs from big hitters Brandon King and Jewel Andrew, while all‑rounders Romario Shepherd and Justin Greaves provide depth.
Pakistan recent form
Pakistan have lost four of their last five ODIs, a worrying trend for a side that prides itself on 50‑over consistency. Their success in the first match showcased their potential: Shaheen Afridi (4/51) and Naseem Shah (3/55) shared seven wickets to bowl West Indies out for 280, before half‑centuries from Mohammad Rizwan (53) and a debutant Hasan Nawaz (63*) guided the chase. Hasan and Hussain Talat compiled an unbroken 104‑run stand to secure a five‑wicket win with seven balls remaining. Pakistan’s spinners were central in that victory, choking the middle overs while Afridi and Naseem finished the job.
In the second match, however, Pakistan’s batting was painfully slow. They crawled to 171/7 on a rain‑interrupted pitch as Seales and Motie tied them down. Opener Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub consumed too many dot balls, and even though Hasan Nawaz top‑scored with 36* and Hussain Talat added 31, they never threatened a substantial total. Pakistan’s problem has been an over‑reliance on anchor batting: Babar Azam (47 in the first ODI) and Rizwan need to improve their strike rates, while the dynamic Saim Ayub must recapture his attacking intent. Their bowling still looks strong, with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and spinners Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed capable of choking any line‑up. All‑rounder Salman Agha (390 runs at 39 average in his last ten ODIs) provides balance and will be crucial with bat and ball.
Pitch and conditions at Brian Lara Cricket Academy
Tarouba’s Brian Lara Stadium is a relatively new international venue with just a handful of ODIs on record. Cricbuzz’s data shows an average first‑innings score around 207, with teams chasing averaging 148. The highest ODI total here is 351/5 and the lowest is 136/10. The surface tends to be slow and low, with spinners extracting grip and seamers rewarded for hitting the deck. In the first ODI, spin accounted for six West Indies wickets as Pakistan’s trio of spinners strangled the scoring, while in the second match Seales’ pace movement and the use of cutters by Motie and Chase proved decisive. Expect another surface where 260‑280 could be competitive. Weather forecasts suggest partly cloudy skies with a slim chance of showers; given recent rain interruptions, the captains will want to bowl first if there is moisture around.
Prediction and Dream11 fantasy team
With the series on the line, West Indies will be buoyed by their comeback and home support. Pakistan, though, have the bowling attack to defend modest totals and will back themselves to bounce back. The key battles will be Afridi and Naseem versus West Indies’ aggressive top order, and Seales and Motie against Pakistan’s tentative batting. Given their momentum and improved bowling discipline, West Indies are slight favourites. A par total on this surface should be in the 275‑285 range for the hosts; Pakistan will aim to restrict them below 260 and rely on a more proactive batting effort. My prediction: West Indies to win a close contest by 20‑30 runs.
Dream11 fantasy suggestions
- Wicket‑keepers: Shai Hope (WI), Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
- Batters: Keacy Carty (WI), Evin Lewis (WI), Babar Azam (PAK), Hasan Nawaz (PAK)
- All‑rounders: Roston Chase (WI), Romario Shepherd (WI), Salman Agha (PAK)
- Bowlers: Jayden Seales (WI), Shaheen Afridi (PAK), Naseem Shah (PAK)
Captain: Roston Chase – in form with bat and ball, he anchors West Indies’ middle order and provides off‑spin. Vice‑captain: Shaheen Afridi – a strike bowler who can pick up early wickets and bowl at the death.
Final word
Expect tension and drama as the two sides battle for series honours. West Indies will look to their batting leaders Hope, Carty and Lewis to set a solid platform, while Pakistan need their talented top order to be more adventurous and convert starts into big scores. Spinners and cutters will again play a vital role on a surface that slows as the game progresses. Whoever adapts better to the conditions and holds their nerve under pressure will lift the trophy in Tarouba. Tune in for what promises to be a thrilling finale to the series!
