Pakistan vs West Indies Cricket World Cup - Runs aplenty expected at Trent Bridge

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 29 May 2019

Ralph Staniforth 29 May 2019

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West Indies opening partnership to dominate Pakistan

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Chris Gayle smashing the ball over the covers as West Indies pile on a big opening stand (Getty Images)

Pakistan vs West Indies Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips and Live Stream

Pakistan and West Indies meet at Trent Bridge in their opening 2019 Cricket World Cup match. The West Indies have averaged 143 opening partnership runs in their last six ODI’s and I am tipping West Indies to have the highest opening partnership at 1.90.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has been in great form, I think he can score over 39.5 runs and am backing the top-order batsman to score a century at 6.00.

Pakistan Form & Team News

Pakistan are in atrocious form, losing their last 10 ODI matches and 11 if you count the non official World Cup warm up game against Afghanistan. As proven in the 2017 Champions Trophy, Pakistan blow hot and cold but are very capable of beating anyone on their day.

Their batting performed wells in their recent series against England but their bowling department has struggled. Pakistan have taken a wicket in the opening 10 overs in only two of their last eight games which is why my best bet is West Indies to have the highest opening partnership at 1.90.

Pakistan can be backed at 1.80 to beat the West Indies, but their unpredictibality means i am focusing on Babar Azam. Azam scored 112 against Afghanistan which followed on from 80 and 115 runs against England. I’m tipping Azam to score over 39.5 runs while a century is paying an attractive 6.00.

Babar Azam batting — Babar Azam celebrating his century at Trent Bridge against England (Getty Images)

West Indies Form & Team News

The West Indies have not been setting the world alight but have been performing well in recent games. Despite suffering two defeats to Bangladesh the Windies head into the World Cup with an outside chance of making the last four.

Their last game against New Zealand went exceptionally well, batting first and scoring a huge 421 runs. Shai Hope top scored with 101 with the solid opening partnership of 59 providing a platform attack.

Andre Russell has been in scintillating form, scoring 54 off 25 balls against Afghanistan and has been tipped to hit the most sixes in the World Cup.

Over their last six games the West Indies have averaged 143 runs in their opening partnership, that's tremendous and there is value backing them in the highest opening partnership market at 1.90.

Pakistan vs West Indies Head to Head

Pakistan have won seven of the last nine ODIs' against West Indies since 2013. The last match was April 2017 at Providence, Shoaib Malik scoring 101 runs as Pakistan won by 6 wickets with 41 balls remaining.

The World Cup head to head reads slightly differently. West Indies have won seven of their 10 meetings with the last being in the 2015 World Cup match in Christchurch.

Pakistan vs West Indies Live Stream

You can watch the Pakistan vs West Indies 2019 Cricket World Cup match with bet365 live streaming. Please see the terms and conditions at bet365 before attempting to watch the match on your iPhone, iPad, Android device or computer.

Pakistan vs West Indies Match Up

Pakistan have relied heavily on their batsmen in recent times with their bowlers continuously struggling, especially outside the sub-continent. Early breakthroughs into the opposition batting have proven problematic which means they have often chased totals well in excess of 300 runs.

The West Indies have improved greatly under the captaincy of Jason Holder. They possess some of the best young batsmen, none more so than Shimron Heymyer. Power-hitters can be found through the entire team with Andre Russell the standout danger man.

andre russell batting — Andre Russell is a key player for the West Indies with bat and ball (Getty Images)

Pakistan vs West Indies Key Statistics

Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored 112 runs in his last match at Trent Bridge (2019).
Pakistan’s Babar Azam has averaged 46 runs in his last 19 ODI’s.
There have been 5 centuries scored in the last 3 ODI matches at Trent Bridge.
West Indies have averaged 143 opening partnership runs in their last 6 ODI matches.

Verdict

I am tipping the Windies to have the highest opening partnership. Pakistan have struggles to take early wickets and the West Indies averaged 143 opening partnership runs in their last six ODI matches.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam is in great form, I think he can score over 39.5 runs and wouldn't be surprised if he scored another century at Trent Bridge.

Best Bet: West Indies Highest Opening Partnership @ 1.90 at bet365 – 3 Units

Over/Under Runs Tip: Babar Azam Over 39.5 Runs @ 1.90 at bet365 – 2 Units

Value Bet: Babar Azam to Score a Century @ 6.00 at bet365 – 1 Unit