Can Pakistan maintain dominance against West Indies?

January 19, 2025

Misbah’s leadership helped Pakistan reach No. 1 ranking in Test cricket in 2016.

Can Pakistan maintain dominance against West Indies?

The first Test of the two Test series, between Pakistan and West Indies is in progress in Multan. The last time the West Indies cricket team visited Pakistan for a Test series in February 2021.

That series consisted of two Test matches both played in Karachi. In the first Test Pakistan emerged victorious by 7 wickets. In this match, Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, played a decisive role in restricting the West Indies batting line-up. The second Test was also won by Pakistan, this time by 109 runs, claiming the series 2-0.

Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, was instrumental in the series, while the West Indies struggled to keep up with the home team’s performance.

This series was significant as it marked the continuation of cricketing ties between Pakistan and the West Indies after a lengthy hiatus due to security concerns in the region. The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and West Indies has provided some thrilling contests and unforgettable moments in the history of Test cricket. Both teams have a rich cricketing

heritage, with Pakistan known for its seam and spin bowling and the West Indies for their explosive batting and fast bowling prowess. This article delves into the previous Test series

played between Pakistan and West Indies, examining stats and key moments that have characterised their encounters.

The first Test match between Pakistan and West Indies was played way back in 1958 at Sabina Park, Kingston. Since then, they have faced each other played 54 Test matches. Pakistan has slight edge with 21 wins while the West Indies remained successful in 18 matches. 15 Tests ended without any result. During the last tour of the West Indies in 2021, the Green-shirts maintained the record of not losing a two-test bilateral series against West Indies since 2000. It was the seventh consecutive Test series against the West Indies without a defeat. In 2005, 2011 and 2021, West Indies took the lead at home, but Pakistan always bounced back and leveled the series.

During that tour, Shaheen Shah Afridi became the first Pakistani fast bowler in two decades to claim a 10-wicket match figure in the West Indies. Before him, the last Pakistani fast bowler to do so was Wasim Akram who took 11-110 at St. John’s. 1976 Series in West Indies: This series marked the first significant clash, where West Indies emerged victorious, showcasing their dominance with a powerful bowling attack led by legends like Michael Holding and Andy Roberts.

The 1990s saw Pakistan assert their prowess, with several series victories against West Indies, including a notable series win earlier 1997. This was the decade where their fast bowling attack became legendary.

2000s Competitive Matches: The turn of the millennium brought about equally matched contests. The 2006 series in the West Indies was fiercely contested, but Pakistan clinched the series 3-0, showcasing the likes of Mohammad Yousuf and Inzimam.

The most recent encounters have taken place sporadically due to the COVID-19 pandemic but have been characterized by close contests. The 2021 series saw Pakistan won 1-0, while the 2023 series was split; both teams excelled in different matches, reflecting the competitive nature of modern cricket.

The rivalry has significantly influenced the fabric of Test cricket. Each encounter has not only showcased individual talents but also highlighted the importance of team strategy and adaptability.

With changing conditions, pitches, and formats in cricket, both teams have learned to innovate and evolve hosting environments.

It may be added that in November 2023, Shan Masood was named as the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team in the Test format. But the PCB decision backfired as under his captaincy, Pakistan lost the three-match test series against Australia by 0-3. Masood was retained as Pakistan's captain for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home and the first time Pakistan lost to Bangladesh (0-2). Despite a two-series loss, Masood was again retained as Pakistan captain for the three-Test home series against England.

In the second Test, Pakistan’s win marked Masood’s first victory on a pitch tailor made since taking over as captain, after six consecutive defeats in a row. Pakistan won the third Test in Rawalpindi for a 2-1 series win. Masood’s next assignment was as Pakistan’s Test captain for two-match away series against South Africa. The first Test lost by Pakistan with a nail-biter by two wickets. The second Test Pakistan went on to lose the match and the series 2-0.

Now it is time for Shan Masood to prove his leadership skills by winning the home Test series against the West Indies.

West Indies won the Test by an innings and 174 runs in Kingston during the tour in 1958, still it is the largest Test victory between the two teams.

The most successful captain of the Pakistan cricket team in Test matches between the two

teams is Misbah-ul-Haq. Under his leadership from 2013 to 2017, Pakistan achieved several significant milestones, including reaching the number one ranking in Test cricket in 2016 and winning a Test series against the West Indies in 2017.

For the West Indies cricket team, Brian Lara holds the record for being one of the most celebrated Test captains, although he had various successes and challenges during his tenure.

However, Sir Clive Lloyd is often considered the most successful West Indies Test captain, leading the team to numerous victories, including the 1970s and 1980s golden eras, where West Indies dominated the cricketing world.

Both Misbah-ul-Haq and Sir Clive Lloyd left lasting legacies in their respective teams, showcasing exceptional leadership qualities and contributing to the rich history of Test cricket.


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Can Pakistan maintain dominance against West Indies?