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Pakistan vs West Indies: Debutants to watch


West Indies

MULTAN: Pakistan and the West Indies are set to start their first test of the two-match series today, January 17. It’s already set to be a historic contest as it marks the first time in 18 years that The Windies have come to Pakistan for a test series. However, it is also a momentous occasion, albeit to a singular degree, for three individuals.

There are three debutants who are looking to shine in the first test of this two-match series. Pakistan’s Muhammad Hurraira is a 22-year-old batter who has the tough task of filling Saim Ayub’s shoes as the emerging star succumbed to injury against South Africa. Hurraira will likely open alongside skipper Shan Masood. His impressive stretch in domestic cricket has earned him a spot on the national team for this latest test.

Hurraira has played 44 First-Class matches, scoring over 3400 runs with a fantastic average of 48.95 and a high score of 311. He has been less impressive in List A, scoring 658 runs with an average of 28.6 across the 26 matches he has played. In T20s, he has played 19 matches, across which he has scored 454 runs, with an average of 28.37 and a high score of 86.

Also read: Champions Trophy: Pakistani cricketers to keep an eye on

The West Indies have two test debutants, including wicket-keeper batter Amir Jangoo, and Tevin Imlach. The former has one ODI to his name, in which he scored an incredible unbeaten 104 off 83 deliveries to help The Windies beat Bangladesh.

In domestic cricket, Jangoo, 27, has played 35 matches of First-Class cricket, in which he has scored over 1900 runs with an average of 34.08 and a high score of 218. Across the 50 matches of list A cricket he has played, Jangoo has scored over 1500 runs, with an average of 32.63 and a high score of 111. Jangoo has 13 T20s to his name and 149 runs in the format, with an average of 13.54 and a high score of 30. He will be a vital part of West Indies middle order and could turn the game in their favour if he performs.

Tevin, 29, has played in 22 First class contests and scored 1097 runs across them, with an average of 136 and a high score of 136. In List A cricket, he has made over 1000 runs in 34 matches, with an average of 35.92 and a high score of 80. Imlach is another player who can strengthen The Windies middle order.

We will find out soon if these three can seize the opportunity and make an impact in the first test between Pakistan and the West Indies.

Also read: Pakistan, West Indies seek to improve from Test Championship lows

Note: While earlier reports claimed that both Jangoo and Tevin would make their debut on Friday, the West Indies decided to play Tevin as their wicket-keeper. Jangoo will not be making his debut in the first test.

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