Predicted Playing XI & Matchups - WI vs PAK T20I Series 2025

With Pakistan touring the West Indies for a three‑match T20I series starting 31 July in Florida, both teams are finalising their lineups. Here's an in-depth look at the likely XI, strategic player matchups, and key players you won’t want to miss.

Pakistan’s Likely XI & Roles

• Salman Ali Agha (c) – Named T20 captain earlier this year, leads an aggressive middle order and also bowls spin.
   
• Mohammad Rizwan (wk) – Veteran keeper–batsman with reliability behind the stumps.
   
• Fakhar Zaman – Left‑handed opener known for explosive starts.
   
• Haider Ali – Power hitter with finishing ability.
   
• Iftikhar Ahmed – Flexible batsman who can bowl occasional off-spin.
   
• Shadab Khan – All-rounder anchoring middle overs.
   
• Mohammad Nawaz – Spin‑bowling all‑rounder who can bat deep.
   
• Shaheen Shah Afridi – Strike pace bowler and former T20I captain, leading the attack.
   
• Haris Rauf – Death-overs specialist.
   
• Mohammad Wasim Jr. – Adds variety and support in pace attack.
   
• Abrar Ahmed – Young leg-spinner expected to trouble West Indies’ middle order.
   

Bench contenders: Khushdil Shah (finisher), Usman Qadir (leg-spin), Muhammad Hasnain (fast bowler).

West Indies’ Likely XI & Roles

• Shai Hope (c, wk) – Opening batter and captain.
   
• Jewel Andrew – Young wicketkeeper–batsman, fresh into T20Is.
   
• Evin Lewis – Left-handed opener known for power-hitting.
   
• Shimron Hetmyer – Middle-order bat in form, strong finisher.
   
• Rovman Powell – Hard-hitting all-rounder.
   
• Andre Russell – Explosive all-rounder, available early.
   
• Jason Holder – Veteran all-rounder for balance.
   
• Akeal Hosein – Spin-bowling all-rounder.
   
• Alzarri Joseph – Lead fast bowler.
   
• Romario Shepherd – Support pace/batting depth.
   
• Jediah Blades – Young left-arm seamer debuting.
   

Bench choices: Sherfane Rutherford (finisher), Gudakesh Motie (off-spin), Sheldon Cottrell (fast).

Key Matchups & Tactical Battles

1. Shaheen Afridi vs Evin Lewis

Shaheen’s full-swinging deliveries vs Lewis’s powerful left-handed aggression makes this early duel key. Afridi has a knack for early strikes.

2. Abrar Ahmed/Shadab Khan vs Andre Russell

Spin control against Russell’s finish‑power in middle overs. Pressure relief and wicket-taking will impact game flow.

3. Haris Rauf vs Shimron Hetmyer

Rauf’s high-speed yorkers challenging Hetmyer’s big-hitting prowess in crunch overs—could define late-game outcomes.

4. Akeal Hosein vs Fakhar Zaman

West Indies’ spinners vs Pakistan’s left-hander. Zaman's ability to clear the fence under spin pressure will be watched.

5. Blades/Joseph vs Salman Ali Agha

The powerplay will hinge on securing early Pakistan wickets. Effective seam and swing could swing momentum.

Players to Watch

Player	Team	Role	Why You Should Watch
Shaheen Afridi	Pakistan	Strike pace bowler	Can steal early wickets and break partnerships
Shadab Khan	Pakistan	All-round spinner	Key to controlling middle overs with bat and ball
Evin Lewis	WI	Power opening batter	If on song, can dominate T20 bowlers from ball one
Shimron Hetmyer	WI	Middle-order hitter	Explosive strokes and finishing capability
Jediah Blades	WI	Young seam prospect	Will bring fresh energy and swing in early overs

Tactical Outlook

• Pakistan aims to use pace upfront, tactics centered around Afridi‑Rauf to strike early, then spin to pressure the middle overs.
   
• West Indies will rely on dynamic batting depth and spin versatility, especially through Russell‑Holder‑Hosein combo.
   
• The toss could matter: dew in Florida may favour chasing teams, so captains may choose to bowl first.

Where to Watch

All three T20Is will be streamed live in Pakistan and Bangladesh on tapmad—HD quality, uninterrupted, with multi-device access and expert commentary.

Final Take

Expect an electrifying clash in Florida: Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen, faces a burly Windies batting order. Spin battles and pace duels will decide tight finishes. 

Keep your fantasy teams ready around top performers like Afridi, Hetmyer, Shadab, and Lewis. For viewers in Pakistan and Bangladesh, tapmad ensures you're front and centre for every big moment.