Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test Prediction

If WI Bat First

Predicted Score: 200-250

The visitors are going to rely on the likes of Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels with the bat. Bravo batted beautifully to score 91 in the practice match and his contributions are going to be absolutely crucial in this match. Samuels is their most experienced batsman and he is more likely to top-score for his side. West Indies should reach the predicted score if these three bat for long.

The West Indian openers will be up against Pakistan's seam bowlers - Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz - both of whom will be backed by the skipper to take the early wickets. Amir could be more menacing with the new red ball and is likely to rock the Windies top order. However, Pakistan will be relying more on their spinners Mohammad Nawaz and Yasir Shah to take most of the wickets. Legspinner Yasir has taken 22 wickets in three games at this ground and if he continues his good form, West Indies won't have a good-looking scorecard in the end.

Our Prediction

There have been only two draws from nine test matches at this venue. Also since no rain has been forecasted, the possibility of a draw looks bleak.

Pakistan have won five of these matches here with two defeats and two draws. They did very well to draw their previous test series in England 2-2 which even made them the No. 1 test team, even though it was only for a short while. 

West Indies, on the other hand, have been struggling big time in the longest format of the game. They are also struggling in these conditions and have not been able to find a way to get past the hosts.

The limited overs series was the best chance that West Indies had for a win. Pakistan are at their best when it comes to red-ball cricket and we therefore predict them to win this first test.