West Indies vs Pakistan ODI 1: Probable XI & Fantasy Tips

West Indies’ Struggles and Pakistan’s Momentum

The West Indies cricket team has faced a series of challenges across all formats, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining consistent performance. Their struggles have been marked by an inconsistent approach, lack of team cohesion, and frequent changes in leadership. Despite having a talented squad, the inability to translate potential into results has left them vulnerable against more stable teams. In contrast, Pakistan appears to be on a positive trajectory. After securing a T20I series win, they are now aiming for a comprehensive sweep in the ODI leg of their tour. The match will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad, where the West Indies will look to bounce back despite missing key pace bowler Alzarri Joseph, who has been rested.

Romario Shepherd returns to the squad, adding depth to the seam attack. Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, looks well-balanced and focused on continuing their dominance.

Match Details: When and Where to Watch WI vs PAK 1st ODI

Match: West Indies vs Pakistan, 1st ODI

Date: 8th August 2025

Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Stadium, Trinidad

Format and Stage: ODI Match, Part of the Pakistan Tour of West Indies 2025

Broadcast and Streaming Details: The match will be streamed live exclusively on the FanCode app. There will be no live telecast of the match on TV in India.

West Indies Predicted Playing XI – Key Fantasy Picks

Predicted XI:

Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Jediah Blade

Notes:

Alzarri Joseph has been rested for the ODI series, while Romario Shepherd returns to strengthen the pace attack. Shai Hope continues to lead the side as captain and wicketkeeper.

Key Fantasy Picks:

– Shai Hope: A consistent performer in the ODI format, Shai Hope brings stability to the West Indies top order. His ability to anchor innings while rotating strike makes him an ideal fantasy pick, especially in home conditions.

– Romario Shepherd: Back in the squad and likely to feature heavily, Shepherd adds all-round value. Known for his late order hitting and effective bowling in the middle overs, he’s a valuable addition to any fantasy team.

– Gudakesh Motie: Motie has quietly become a reliable spin option for West Indies. On slow tracks like Brian Lara Stadium, his accuracy and wicket-to-wicket bowling can be crucial, especially against Pakistan’s middle order.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI – Players to Watch

Predicted XI:

Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed

Notes:

Babar Azam was called back into the squad after Fakhar Zaman was ruled out due to injury. With Rizwan leading the side and Babar returning to anchor the top order, Pakistan’s batting looks well balanced. Their bowling unit remains full strength, with a blend of pace and mystery spin.

Players to Watch:

– Babar Azam: Recalled under pressure, Babar will be determined to make a statement. His calm presence at number three gives Pakistan solidity. Expect him to be among the top run scorers in this ODI, especially if the ball comes onto the bat early.

– Shaheen Shah Afridi: The left-arm quick remains Pakistan’s biggest weapon with the new ball. If there’s any early movement on offer, Shaheen is sure to exploit it. His death over accuracy also ensures consistent fantasy returns.

– Salman Ali Agha: A dependable all-round option, Salman contributes with both bat and off-spin. On slower pitches like the one in Trinidad, his bowling could play a key role in breaking partnerships, making him a smart fantasy pick.

West Indies vs Pakistan Dream11 Team Today – Sample Fantasy XI

Small League SL Team:

WK: Mohammad Rizwan (VC), Shai Hope

BAT: Babar Azam (C), Abdullah Shafique, Brandon King

AR: Salman Ali Agha, Romario Shepherd

BOWL: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie

Budget Pick: Gudakesh Motie

Star Pick: Babar Azam (C)

Note: A balanced Small League lineup built on form and reliability. Rizwan and Hope offer stability and keeping points. Babar anchors the top order, while the pace trio of Shaheen, Naseem, and Seales lead the bowling attack. Motie adds value on turning tracks without breaking your credit bank.

Grand League GL Team:

WK: Mohammad Rizwan

BAT: Saim Ayub (C), Keacy Carty, Babar Azam, Sherfane Rutherford

AR: Salman Ali Agha, Romario Shepherd (VC)

BOWL: Jediah Blades, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Jayden Seales

Budget Pick: Jediah Blades

Differential Pick: Sherfane Rutherford

Note: A high upside Grand League team stacked with explosive batters and underdog picks. Saim Ayub as captain can tilt contests with a quickfire knock, while Shepherd provides dual threat value. The wildcard selections of Blades and Rutherford are ideal for breaking away in GL rankings if they click.

Core Players to Retain Across Teams

No matter the platform or contest type, there are five players you should lock in across all formats and leagues. These core picks offer consistent returns with either bat, ball or both, and form the foundation of your fantasy strategy.

– Jayden Seales

– Salman Ali Agha

– Mohammad Rizwan

– Saim Ayub

– Romario Shepherd

Other Fantasy Platforms: My11Circle, MPL, Howzat Picks

On platforms like My11Circle, MPL, and Howzat, where scoring rewards strike rates, wicket-taking ability, and all-round contributions, focus on players who impact both innings and play aggressive roles. In this ODI clash at the Brian Lara Stadium, bat-heavy lineups with power hitters and finishing all-rounders hold added value.

Platform Specific Fantasy Tips: My11Circle, MPL, Howzat

My11Circle:

My11Circle values all-rounders and multi-dimensional players, making Salman Ali Agha and Romario Shepherd excellent value picks. The platform’s Grand League contests reward those who gamble on high ceiling differentials, especially players contributing with both bat and ball.

C/VC Combo: Salman Ali Agha (C), Mohammad Rizwan (VC)

MPL:

MPL emphasizes strike rates and clean hitting, so prioritizing top-order stroke makers like Babar Azam and Saim Ayub is key. Players who bat in the powerplay and can score fluently are crucial to climbing the MPL leaderboards.

C/VC Combo: Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub (VC)

Howzat:

Howzat rewards bowling impact, with extra points for wickets, maidens, and spells that turn the game. Fast bowlers like Jayden Seales and Naseem Shah should be at the top of your list, while Abrar Ahmed offers value through middle-over breakthroughs.

C/VC Combo: Naseem Shah (C), Jayden Seales (VC)

Scoring Note

Each fantasy platform comes with its unique scoring rules. Some favor strike rate and batting fluency, others reward all-round or bowling impact. Always review the specific scoring system before locking in your final XI.

Pitch & Weather Report – Fantasy Impact

The Brian Lara Stadium surface for the first ODI is expected to have a fair covering of green grass, offering assistance to fast bowlers early on. Expect movement off the seam and bounce in the first 10 overs, making new-ball pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Jayden Seales crucial picks. As the game progresses, the pitch is likely to flatten out, favouring set batters. Weather forecasts indicate clear skies with minimal chances of rain, ensuring a full game. Fantasy managers should lean slightly towards pacer-heavy lineups with top-order batters who can see off the new ball.

FAQs – Fantasy Tips for WI vs PAK

Q1: Who is the best captain choice for Dream11 today?

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are the safest captain picks based on consistency and recent form. Both are heavily involved and offer a high floor. For a bolder choice, Saim Ayub brings explosive potential in Grand Leagues.

Q2: What are Dream11 GL strategy tips for today’s match?

Focus on high-ceiling differentials like Sherfane Rutherford, Saim Ayub, and Jediah Blades. Pick a mix of aggressive top-order batters and death-over bowlers. Stacking with all-rounders like Romario Shepherd and Salman Ali Agha can help tilt contests in your favour.

Q3: Who are top budget fantasy picks for today?

Jediah Blades and Gudakesh Motie are top-value picks. Both are priced low and have the potential to pick crucial wickets, especially on a pitch that may slow down under lights.