Pakistan v West Indies First ODI Tips: Riz the biz at 13/2

Pakistan v West Indies
Wednesday 8 June, 12:00
TV: live on Sky Sports

Pak on the attack

Pakistan have an impressive feel to their ODI squad. All bases appear to be covered with fast starters, middle-order class, late hitters and spin and pace options.

The big guns are present, notably Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are an excellent opening combination, Asif Ali provides power while Shadab Khan, the vice-captain, can give it a tweak. Hasan Ali will look to further evolve into a bowling all-rounder.

The one negative is the continued absence of Faheem Ashraf, one of the top all-rounders in the world whatever the colour of the ball.

Pakistan come into this one off the back of a 2-1 success over Australia in March. They are a dangerous outfit at home and have dominated West indies on the head-to-head outside the Caribbean.

Possible XI: Fakhar, Imam, Babar, Rizwan, Asif Ali, Iftikhar, Khushdil, Shadab, Hasan, Rauf, Afridi

Windies bolstered

West Indies recorded a 3-0 success over Netherlands last week. They had some minor scares but overall they will have been delighted with runs from Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers and Shamarh Brooks.

Indeed, that could now be their front three for the foreseeable. Nkrumah Bonner had a poor series and could miss out altogether. He is probably competing for the No 5 slot with Brandon King.

Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd are available for this series after missing the Dutch tour. They had visa issues. Their return bolsters a previously weak-looking middle- to lower-order.

Probable XI: Hope, Brooks, Mayers, Pooran, King, Powell, Shepherd, Hossein Walsh, Joseph, Seales

Pitch report

There have been only seven ODI played at the Multan Cricket Stadium since 2008. That is no good to us whatsoever.

A watching brief on the surface may be the best advice because there is also another un-known factor. Pakistan have never hosted a game in Multan at this time of year due to fierce summer heat. The series was originally due to take place in Rawalpindi but a late switch was required on security grounds.

In domestic cricket, bowlers have dominated. In this year's domestic cup matches eight-first innings from 13 have come in under 200, three of those under 160. Ten matches have been won by the chaser

Sneaky Windies trade

Pakistan are no better than 1.434/9 with West Indies 3.259/4. We think the gulf in ability justifies the odds.

However, we are not in the business of taking such skinny favourite prices. Particularly when we have evidence of a toss bias and data which suggests bowlers could be to the fore. The Windies des-perately need something to reduce the gulf in class here and they might just get it.

If the pitch is different to what past scorecards suggests, though, it is hard not to fear for the visitors if they have to bowl first in the blazing heat. It could be hard work indeed against a strong Pakistan batting attack.

On a road batting first (look for the sheen off the surface and no grass) then West Indies have the ability to bat well enough to bring their odds down significantly. Backing them at 3.259/4 in to 2.1011/10 is one for the notebook. Bet the match odds here

Tops value

There's a standout wager on the top West Indies runscorer market. Akeal Hosein is priced at 100/1. He batted at No 6 on his last outing and he has shown decent hitting ability. At the other end of the scale Hope is one of the most reliable wagers in this format. Sportsbook go 3/1.

Imam is the rightful favourite for Pakistan top bat at 23/10. Babar Azam is 16/5. Mohammad Rizwan looks chunky at 13/2 considering he looks certain to be batting at No 4. It's a wrong price on order and ability.

Prices of note on the man of the match market (considering the low scores domestically) include Afridi at 10/1 and Rauf at 14s. Babar is 6/1 jolly. Bet the Sportsbook markets here.

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