West Indies' third ODI will feature Pakistan choosing to bat first
West Indies and Pakistan Set for Deciding ODI in Tarouba
After a series of ups and downs, the third and final One-Day International (ODI) between West Indies and Pakistan is all set to take place in the city of Tarouba. The match, which will decide the winner of the series, comes after Pakistan's recent slip in the ICC ODI rankings due to a loss.
Pakistan, who currently hold 3,465 rating points from 34 matches with a rating of 102, narrowly behind Sri Lanka who moved up to fourth with 4,009 points and a rating of 103, will be hoping to regain some ground in the rankings with a victory.
In terms of individual ICC ODI player rankings (as of August 20, 2025), Pakistan’s Babar Azam remains the third-ranked ODI batter, holding a rating of 739. However, other Pakistani bowlers like Abrar Ahmed have made significant gains, jumping to 43rd, while Shaheen Afridi slipped to 15th.
On the other hand, the West Indies team, led by captain Shai Hope, is eager to take advantage of the situation and secure a series win. The West Indies climbed to ninth position after their win over Pakistan, while Bangladesh fell to tenth.
The West Indies playing XI for the third ODI includes Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales.
Notably, Romario Shepherd has replaced Jediah Blades in the West Indies playing XI, adding a fresh dynamic to the team's bowling attack.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has chosen to field first in the match. Naseem Shah replaces Shaheen Afridi in the Pakistan playing XI, providing an opportunity for the young bowler to make his mark in the crucial match. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the Pakistani team as captain and wicketkeeper.
The upcoming deciding match against West Indies will be crucial for both teams, with Pakistan aiming to regain some ranking points and improve their standing, and the West Indies looking to secure a series win against Pakistan for the first time since 1992.
Summary of key impacts:
| Aspect | Pakistan Status | Notes | |---------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | Team ranking | 5th place in ICC ODI rankings | Slipped after West Indies loss; Sri Lanka overtook them[1][2] | | Rating points | 3,465 points, rating 102 | Close to Sri Lanka’s 4,009 points, rating 103[1][2] | | Top batters | Babar Azam 3rd in batting rank | Holds rating of 739; no change after loss[5] | | Bowlers | Abrar Ahmed jumped to 43rd | Shaheen Afridi slipped to 15th[4][5] | | Impact on West Indies | Climbed to 9th place | Benefited from win over Pakistan[1][2] |
The Pakistan team, currently rank fifth in the ICC ODI rankings, is aiming to regain some ground in the rankings by winning the upcoming ODI against West Indies. In the match, Pakistan will be starting with a fielding first strategy, as Naseem Shah replaces Shaheen Afridi in their playing XI, providing an opportunity for the young bowler to make his mark. On the other hand, the West Indies index, now positioned ninth, is eager to secure a series win, with Romario Shepherd joining their playing XI to add a fresh dynamic to their bowling attack.
