West Indies vs Pakistan: 2nd T20I, July 31, 2021, Pakistan Tour of West Indies Match Prediction

Match Predictions

There is no gap between the first and the second T20I as it is on back-to-back days. The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados continues to be the venue for the T20Is.

West Indies have fared quite well in T20Is this year. They have won eight and lost five in 2021 in T20Is. Three out of those five losses came in the five-match series against South Africa. They lost that series 2-3 before bouncing back strongly against Australia where they beat them 4-1 and that was in spite of missing a few key players. West Indies showed their might with the bat and their power is known to the world. It is no secret that West Indies’ strength lies in their powerful batting line-up and they can chase down or post any total. However, in the series against South Africa and Australia, they also showed how effective they can be with the ball as well. Thus, Kieron Pollard and co will be looking to continue the good run and build some good momentum ahead of the all-important T20 World Cup later this year where they defend their title.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have also been in good form in T20Is. Like West Indies, even they have eight wins and five losses in T20Is in 2021. They recorded three successive series wins – against South Africa (twice – 2-1 at home and 3-1 away) and Zimbabwe (2-1) before losing to England 1-2 recently. Pakistan seem to have most bases covered and have a strong line-up. With the bat, they have the consistency of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan and that along with a solid bowling attack is their biggest strength.

Hence, these are two in-form teams with some solid line-ups. However, West Indies might just start as slight favourites given their power and might in T20 cricket. But don’t count Pakistan out and they can turn the tables on any given day. Moreover, remember, they have a far superior head-to-head record against West Indies which they lead 11-3.

Summary

Pakistan have been absolutely dominant in this T20I rivalry against West Indies. These two sides have faced each 14 times in the history of T20I cricket and Pakistan have ended up winning 11 of those games while West Indies have won just three. Since the start of 2016, West Indies have beaten Pakistan in T20Is only once. Moreover, West Indies have won just one bilateral T20I series against Pakistan which was way back in 2011 and that was a one-off game. Since then, Pakistan have won 2-0, 3-0, 3-1 and 3-0 in bilateral series.