Pakistan will host West Indies in the first of the two Tests in Multan starting from January 17. Here's Wisden's pick of the betting odds for the Test.
PAK v WI first Test: Who will win?
We are at the fag end of the 2023-25 World Test Championship. Despite the two teams being out of contention for a final, they still have plenty of pride to play for.
The last time Pakistan played at home in October last year, they came from 0-1 behind to win the series 2-1 against England. The squad went through wholesale changes after a defeat in the series opener, with comeback heroes Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, taking 19 and 20 wickets respectively in the last two Tests. As a result, Pakistan ended their 1,348-day wait for a home Test win. With the hosts naming as many as seven changes to the squad, the spin duo is expected to play a big role.
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On the other hand, the West Indies could not maintain the highs of the historic victory against Australia in Brisbane a year ago. Since then, they have lost series against England, South Africa and Bangladesh. While Gudakesh Motie's return bolstered their spin attack, the unavailability of pacers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph will be a huge miss.
Despite their series loss in South Africa, Pakistan will start as firm favourites in familiar home conditions. Stake is offering a 1.18 return on every pound bet on Pakistan's win, with a 4.9 return on a West Indies victory.
PAK v WI first Test: Which team will have the top batter?
Since Babar Azam returned to the team after being dropped midway through the home Tests against England, he has scored 193 runs at an average of 48.35, the second-most in the recently concluded South Africa-Pakistan Tests. Babar put on a record opening stand of 205 with captain Shan Masood while following on in the second Test in Cape Town.
That Kaven Hodge was the highest scorer for West Indies last year with 516 runs at 28.66 highlights how poor they have been as a batting side.
In this aspect, Pakistan are a safe bet as well, offering returns of 1.37 on Stake compared to West Indies' 2.9.
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