West Indies v Pakistan – 5 things to look forward to

West Indies and Pakistan will take on each other at Christchurch in what is the second group game for both of them. The West Indies have an overall better record of 68 wins versus 55 of Pakistan, and the same goes for the World Cup stage – they have a total of 6 wins while Pakistan have just 3.But considering the present form and squads, it is going to be a close contest. Both teams will be raring to go following their losses in their first games, and here are 5 things to watch out for in the encounter, which are most likely to take place. 

#5 Yasir Shahs form

He is one person who could really turn it around for the Pakistanis. His performance against the Indians wasn’t impressive – he gave away 60 runs in 8 overs, and it would do him and his team well if he could return to form in the game against the Windies. It was the Caribbean middle order that did fire against the Irish - and it would be an advantage for Pakistan if he is able to contain the middle order better than he did over India. 

The Lionel Messi-lookalike made his ODI and T20 debuts in 2011, and hasn’t featured in the formats for Pakistan since then. Shane Warne dubbed him as one of the best spinners in the world before the India game. Yasir had a cracker of a Test series in the Middle East against New Zealand and Australia, with 27 wickets in 5 games. That did show he has the ability to fox the batsmen.

It would be good if he can show the same form in the limited overs format. The Kiwis and the Aussies are the best contenders for the World Cup, and it would do a world of confidence to him if he keeps in mind his record against them last year. He is sure to get a playing berth against the Windies, and it will be worthy to note how well he plays his role.