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

Both teams are completing their squads, as Pakistan is touring the West Indies to play three T20I matches from 31 July onwards in Florida. In this post, we get a detailed closer examination of what the probable XI will look like and important tactical player pairings as well as players you cannot miss.

Possible XI and duties of Pakistan

• Salman Ali Agha (c) He was appointed T20 captain earlier this year, who heads an aggressive middle order and also bowls spin.
   
• Mohammad Rizwan (wk) aged – A Mature keeper-batsman that can be trusted with the hands.
   
• Fakhar Zaman - Left-handed opening batsman with the ability to play spectacular innings in the early stages.
   
• Haider Ali - sledge hitter that can finish.
   
• Iftikhar Ahmed Flexible batsman, can bowl occasional off-spin.
   
• Shadab Khan - all-rounder in the middle overs.
   
• Mohammad Nawaz- spin bowling all-rounder with deep batting.
   
• Shaheen Shah Afridi -Leading the attack, a fast bowler who struck in the powerplay, and a former T20I captain.
   
• Haris Rauf, Death-overs specialist.
   
• Mohammad Wasim Jr. -A little variety and reinforcement in the pace assault.
   
• Abrar Ahmed- a leg-spinner who would unsettle the middle order of the West Indies.

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.