Both Pakistan and West Indies dominated world cricket at a time and boasted of some of the best talents in cricket. It is not as if all has been lost, but just the consistency in the two iconic teams has long deserted them. The Men in Green did manage to win the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy but have been woeful ever since. In their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 encounter, the stage is set for a fresh crop of players to emerge and make themselves count. Both these countries will be looking for a winning momentum early on as they thrive on success. We list out the five players who can have the maximum impact on the Pakistan vs West Indies game on Friday. WI vs PAK, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Andre Russell vs Wahab Riaz and Other Exciting Mini Battles to Watch Out For at Trent Bridge.
Shai Hope
He is ranked the number five in the ODI batting charts which is remarkable considering it has been a while someone from West Indies has been on the list. Shai Hope got a hundred against New Zealand in the warm-up game which must have done his confidence a lot of good. He could be someone Pakistan will not want to see stay long on the pitch. West Indies vs Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match Preview: WI Bank on Power-Play to Beat PAK.
Chris Gayle
Although lacking consistency, universe boss Chris Gayle loves to play in the big games. The veteran opener is playing in his last tournament with the West Indies and his team will want a strong start from him. If he can counter the Pakistan new ball bowlers well, West Indies can sail relatively smooth.
Carlos Brathwaite
The hero of the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, Carlos Brathwaite has been inconspicuous on the big stage ever since. But he has a very important role to play on the English wickets. His medium pacers in the middle stages of the innings not only make him a wicket-taking option but he is quite a handy batsman too as we have seen in the past. Pakistan vs West Indies Betting Odds: Free Bet Odds, Predictions and Favourites During PAK vs WI in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 2.
Babar Azam
A special batsman and one of the best modern-day players in the game, Babar Azam has to shoulder a lot of responsibility. He is a type of player that does not go for big shots from the onset but loves to build innings. Pakistan will be hoping Babar Azam can bat for long periods to get his team to a good score. Team Pakistan at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Squad, Player Profiles of Pakistan National Cricket Team for CWC19.
Hasan Ali
One of the stars of the show of the 2017 Champions Trophy, Hasan Ali’s exploits can power Pakistan in England once again. He was pretty ordinary in the ODI series against England that his team lost 4-0 picking up just three wickets. But the conditions will suit him and if he can peg West Indies back with wickets, it will be a huge confidence booster for him.
The West Indies have some fiery hitters in their ranks and it will be important for Pakistan to contain these players as they can run away with the game in flash.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 31, 2019 09:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).