World Cup 2019, Match 2, West Indies vs Pakistan Match Prediction: Who will win today's match?
Pakistan and West Indies have been in contrasting form coming into the World Cup. West Indies tied the 5-match ODI series played at home against the number one ranked ODI side in the world, England. Playing with a depleted side, West Indies lost the tri-series played in Ireland. But the team made a huge statement by putting on a mammoth score of 421 runs in the warm-up game against New Zealand and winning the match by 91 runs.
On the other hand, Pakistan has lost their last 10 ODI matches and is in doldrums at the moment. But the Asian giants are known for their unpredictability and can never be written off completely. Here is the match prediction for the game.
West Indies
Strengths
West Indies will be relying on their big hitters to come good against Pakistan. Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Andre Russell looked in good nick in the warm-up game against New Zealand. Apart from these T20 superstars, young Shai Hope has been in sensational form of late and will look to put up an impressive show in his debut World Cup.
Weaknesses
West Indies' bowlers will need to step up against an in-form Pakistan batting unit. The fast bowlers have the pace to rattle any opposition but will need to more consistent with their line and lengths.
Pakistan
Strengths
Even though Pakistan has been on a losing streak in their last ten matches, the batsmen have been firing all cylinders. Babar Azam has been a run-machine for Pakistan. He will be ably supported by Imam-ul-Haq at the top of the order. And with Fakhar Zaman showing signs of returning to form, Pakistan's batting looks to be in good hands. Keeping in mind the form of their batsmen, if Pakistan wins the toss, the team might opt to chase the target.
Weaknesses
For a change, bowling has been a cause of worry for Pakistan. No Pakistani bowler looks threatening enough to run through the opposition. They will have their task cut out against an intimidating West Indies batting line-up.
Who will win today's match?
Considering the recent form of both sides, West Indies will start as favourites against Pakistan. The likes of Chris Gayle, Shai Hope and Andre Russell might be too hot to handle for Pakistan.
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