After a long break, Pakistan and West Indies are set to resume their T20 rivalry in Florida, marking their first head-to-head encounter in this format since December 2021. The three-match series kicks off Thursday, August 1 (5:00 AM PST), at Central Broward Park in Lauderhill — a venue that’s no stranger to international white-ball cricket, but still rare ground for both teams.
Old Rivals Meet in New Territory
This series marks the eighth bilateral T20I face-off between Pakistan and the West Indies since their inaugural clash in 2011. Historically, Pakistan has held the upper hand with 15 wins out of 21 matches, while West Indies have managed just three victories. Three matches ended without a result.
While Lauderhill has seen 17 T20Is over the years, Pakistan have only played here once — a recent three-wicket win over Ireland during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. The series now gives both sides a chance to reset after disappointing recent outings. Pakistan are coming off a 2-1 loss to Bangladesh, and the West Indies are reeling from a 5-0 T20I whitewash at the hands of Australia.
Key Inclusions and Squad Shifts
Pakistan’s squad sees the return of three key pacers: Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi — a much-needed injection of experience and firepower in the bowling department. Captain Salman Ali Agha, speaking ahead of the series, stressed the importance of this buildup to next year’s T20 World Cup.
“We’re excited to be here. Lauderhill has a great vibe, and with the mix of youth and experience in our team, we’re looking forward to three competitive games,” he said. “The West Indies are dangerous, regardless of their recent form. We’ll need to be at our best to come out on top.”
On the other side, the West Indies have shuffled their squad in response to injury concerns and player rotations. Out go Alzarri Joseph (rested), Evin Lewis (injured), and middle-order options Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King, both sidelined with side strains. In come Shamar Joseph, Keacy Carty, Alick Athanaze, and Johnson Charles — the latter offering explosive top-order potential.
Momentum and Motivation
With both teams looking to recover lost ground, the series carries more than just bragging rights. It’s a chance to iron out combinations, experiment under pressure, and build toward the next global tournament. For Pakistan, it’s also about assessing depth in the batting lineup and stability under new captaincy.
West Indies, still searching for consistency in T20s despite having some of the most naturally gifted players in the format, will be looking to regain confidence and assert their unpredictability — a trait that has historically made them such a dangerous side in short-form cricket.
Match Schedule (All at Central Broward Park, Lauderhill):
- 1st T20I: Thursday, 1 August (5:00 AM PST)
- 2nd T20I: Saturday, 2 August
- 3rd T20I: Sunday, 3 August
Squads at a Glance
Pakistan T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Hasan Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Sufyan Moqim
West Indies T20I Squad:
Shai Hope (c), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Johnson Charles, Keacy Carty, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Matthew Forde, Alick Athanaze
With pressure mounting and World Cup preparations intensifying, this short series in Florida could prove to be a turning point for both sides.