With the T20I series in the bag, can the Windies claim the ODIs too?

Following the conclusion of a historic T20 series, where not only did international cricket return to Pakistan, but two stalwarts of the game, Anisa Mohammed (WI) and Sana Mir (Pak) earned their 100th T20I caps, the two teams travel to UAE for the ODI leg of the tour. West Indies and Pakistan will clash in three ODIs, scheduled to be played on February 7, 9 and 11.



The T20 series proved to be a tight one. After West Indies took out the series opener, they won the following match too, in a Super Over. Pakistan then bounced back to win the third. So, while West Indies won the T20 series, Pakistan go into the ODI one with winning momentum on their side.



 



Key Players



For the Windies, regular skipper Stafanie Taylor's return will be a massive boost to their line-up. The all-rounder has established her dominance in all facets of the game and looked to be in good touch with the bat during the WBBL. She is an integral part of the Windies batting order, but will be especially so in the absence of star opener Hayley Matthews, who misses out due to injury. Deandra Dottin is another player the Windies will be banking on. She was named Player of the T20I Series after her explosive exploits with the bat, as she finished as the leading run scorer. Also a handy bowler, Dottin's pace is tricky to pick up and she will be a big threat to the opposition with the ball too.



As for Pakistan, their spinners will lead the bowling attack. Boasting the number one ranked ODI bowler in their squad, Pakistan will rely on Sana Mir to take wickets when they matter most and to swing the games momentum in her teams favour. From a batting perspective, much of the run-scoring responsibility will fall on the experienced shoulders of skipper Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan. Increasingly though, other batters have stepped up, when needed. It was Nida Dar's half-century that played a major role in Pakistan's victory in the final T20I, while Aliya Riaz has also shown she can take on world class bowling attacks, scoring a half-century against Australia. These are positives signs for Pakistan, who have often lacked in the batting department. Most of their batters come into the ODI series having amassed some runs during the T20I one and look to be in good touch, which is something the Windies will take note of.



 



Importance



The series is important for both sides as six points are up for grabs for the ICC Women's Championship. West Indies currently sit at number five on the table, with four wins and nine points to their name. Pakistan trail them by just one point. A series whitewash could see either team jump to second or third, depending on net run rate, while a series win may see them breach the top four barrier. Considering the top four ranked teams earn direct qualification to the Women's World Cup in 2021, these points are very valuable for both sides.



 



Squads



Pakistan: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Irum Javed, Javeria Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Nida Dar, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Omaima Sohail



West Indies: Stafanie Taylor (c), Merissa Aguilleira (wk), Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Natasha McClean, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams.