West Indies v Pakistan, 5 Players to watch out for Pakistan

Pakistan ended another cracker jack of a series against West Indies and managed to upstage them in the shorter format. They would look to carry on their winning streak in the Test matches as well, as they take on the home side in the first Test starting on Friday.

They have outplayed the Caribbean side and have not lost a series against them since 2001. In their last 5 meetings, Pakistan has won all 5 of them. This would boost their confidence and will help them to play freely.

Going into the Test series, one thing which Pakistan has done exceptionally well is, they have kept the core side same. The players who add cherry to the existing squad are the likes of Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq, who even play their last series for Pakistan. Also, this series provides an opportunity for both of them to end their respective International careers on a high note.

Now with less than 12 hours left for the first ball to be bowled at the Kingston, CricTracker give a look at 5 players from Pakistan side that can make a difference:

Azhar Ali:

Azhar Ali has been one of the greatest find for Pakistan Cricket in recent times. He has been a sheer talent for his side and has an ability to perform under pressure. He not only provides solidity at the top but also has the temperament to stick on the wicket and play long innings. His skills and temperament have helped him to be at this level.

Though Ali got his triple hundred batting as an opener, but he has always preferred batting at his favoured position, number three. Most of the runs he has scored in Test cricket have come while batting at this position. He has an average nearing 50 at this slot which makes him the right contender.

Yasir Shah:

Yasir Shah has been the pick of the bowler for Pakistan from last year and a half and has won matches single-handedly in past. Currently, he is considered as one of the best leg spinners in the world. With career ranking 16, he would definitely be the pillar of Pakistan’s bowling in this series.

Shah will have a tough task on his shoulder as he would face the likes of Marlon Samuels and Kraigg Brathwaite who are used to the condition and can give a difficult time to the leg spinner. Picking 124 wickets in 23 matches, he occupies the second slot on the list.

Misbah-ul-Haq:

The veteran and experienced player, The Pakistani skipper will be looking to lead his team from the front and get a string of big scores. West Indies, meanwhile, will look to get him out early and expose Pakistan’s inexperienced middle-order. Misbah has been the backbone of Pakistan batting line-up and would try to leave a benchmark.

The 42-year-old has been great while captaining Pakistan. Misbah turned out to be one of the most successful captains for Pakistan with a win percentage over 45. He would be looking to end his career on high note with another series win in his bag.

Younis Khan:

With 23 runs short to complete 10,000 runs in Test cricket speaks volumes about this player. He has not only been a consistent performer but has also been able to transfer the legacy to the coming generation. He loves to share his thoughts on and off the field which has helped Pakistan Cricket to reach new heights.

Younis has played 207 innings and has scored 34 centuries, also has a unique record of scoring hundred against 11 test playing nation. He, with the Captain, will be stepping on the field for one last time. He would be looking to end his career with head held high.

Asad Shafiq:

The 31-year-old lad made his International debut in 2010 against South Africa and has been a part of Pakistan’s Test side since then. Asad came into the side when Pakistan Cricket was finding it difficult and was struggling with a lean patch.

With willow, he has scored 3364 runs at a healthy average of 41.02. Having 10 hundred to his game in 53 matches shows the potential and the admiral composure he has to be at this level. He is definitely proving as a bright star for future of Pakistan.