Cricket Betting: West Indies vs Pakistan ODI Series Preview

Pakistan were totally dominant in the T20 series against West Indies that they eventually won 3-1. With the teams now set for a three-match ODI series, it is hard to see how the hosts can turn around. All three matches will be played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana with the first starting on Friday, April 7.

Can the Windies qualify for the World Cup?
West Indies are currently in ninth place on the ICC ODI rankings. With their opponents on eighth spot with five ranking points separating them, this series presents a final hope for the hosts to qualify directly for the 2019 World Cup.

That should be a good enough incentive for the hosts to kick-start their challenge. There were some encouraging signs against England although they lost the series 3-0. But nothing counts more than wins and the hosts have an onerous task ahead of them to improve their performances.
Jason Mohammed, Jonathan Carter and Shai Hope were the bright spots from that series and should continue to shoulder responsibility. Jason Holder will have more question marks on his place than any other and that won’t stop till he starts delivering.

Confident visitors
Pakistan have a new captain in Sarfraz Ahmed who already had a winning initiation in the T20s. Frankly speaking, he won’t get an easier baptism than playing West Indies in ODIs.
The architects of the T20 series win – Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim are the key personnel for Pakistan in the ODIs too. Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan join the ranks making the side very strong in pace department as well.

Stats
West Indies have an overall positive record against West Indies (69-58) but in the last 10 years they have won only five of the 20 matches played. They come into the series on the back of a five-match losing streak. Over their last 11 matches, West Indies’ record reads one win, one tie and nine losses.

Picks
No wonder then that Pakistan are heavy favorites to win the series. Odds of $1.36 (Ladbrokes) are being offered on Pakistan win while odds on West Indies are $3.25 (Ladbrokes). This may not give great value but a punt on 3-0 series win for Pakistan offered at odds of $3.0 (Ladbrokes) looks lucrative.

TIP: Pakistan to win 3-0 – $3 at Ladbrokes

Babar Azam is in cracking form recently and at odds of $4.33 (bet365), he is a great punt to be Pakistan’s best batsman. For the hosts, Jason Mohammed at odds of $8.50 (bet365) looks a decent punt.

Among the bowlers, Shadab Khan at odds of $3.75 (bet365) is an interesting pick to be the visitors’ best bowler.

TIP: Babar Azam to be Pakistan’s best batsman – $4.33 at bet365

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