PAK v WI, 2nd Test Preview: Series win beckons for unassuming Pakistan

Apart from the fact that the first Pakistan v West Indies Test match was the first both sides played under lights and with the pink ball, the drama it created was certainly surreal. All it took was three days of play and some audacious bowling from Devendra Bishoo. This was capped off by some calmness from Misbah-ul-Haq of the very highest quality, something that was most certainly unprecedented.

However, now, both sides find themselves on somewhat of an important precipice. With the previous match churning out some impressive cricket in the last two days, one can only assume that the same will be repeated when both Pakistan and West Indies take the stage of Abu Dhabi’s impressive cricketing facility.

While many will be hoping for a mouthwatering encounter, it would be rather clear to assume that the conditions will cloud the team selection. Thus, the stage is set for an exciting clash between two supremely exciting teams.

Team Analysis

Pakistan

When it comes to playing Test matches at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan immediately have an aura of invisibility in the area. They have won four of the eight Tests played at this venue with the other matches being inadvertently drawn. Moreover, batting first has usually helped the Pakistan side in more ways than one, something that will be lingering in the minds of Misbah-ul-Haq as he sets out to lead his side yet again.

However, while luck and history are most certainly on the side of Pakistan, the fact of the matter remains that they will have to pull the rabbit out of the hat should they want an overwhelmingly easy win over their opponents on the day. For this, they will be hoping for the likes of Mohammad Amir and Yasir Shah to step up to the plate yet again in their crusade of sealing the series at Abu Dhabi.

West Indies

The recent tour of the Middle East has been one disaster after another as far as some of the performances are concerned. In spite of all this, the previous match showcased some fight that many West Indians have not seen in a long while in the form of Devendra Bishoo. The 31-year old leg-spinner picked his career best figures of 8/49 as Pakistan edged their way to the victor’s podium.

In the spotlight for West Indies will be Leon Johnson and Darren Bravo. The latter was impressive in the previous match striking a half-century and a century in each innings respectively, something he had not done until that point. As for Leon Johnson, the Windies will be hoping that he will show some of the solidity he showed in the second innings at Dubai.

Playing XI (Probable)

Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Sarfraz Ahmed (WK), Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan

West Indies: Jason Holder (C), Shane Dowrich (WK), Leon Johnson, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Shannon Gabriel, Devendra Bishoo, Miguel Cummins

Telecast on Ten Cricket

Match starts at 11:30 AM IST

StAttack

1. Sarfraz Ahmed requires 20 dismissals to complete 100 Test match dismissals. Should he complete this, he will join an elite group of Pakistan wicketkeepers of yesteryear and become the 6th Pakistan keeper to accomplish this feat.

2. Asad Shafiq requires 57 runs to complete 3000 Test match runs.

3. Marlon Samuels requires 146 runs to complete 4000 Test match runs.

4. Kraigg Brathwaite requires 76 runs to complete 2000 Test match runs.