The West Indies are on a high after beating England in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 by four wickets. Pakistan came into the tournament looking poor and got worse, with losses to India, New Zealand and Australia failing to see them get beyond the group stages.

Clash of the Titans

The T20I series in the UAE could see a head-to-head clash between two of the best bowlers in T20 cricket – the West Indies Samuel Badree, ranked world number one, and Shahid Afridi, who at 36 has been a talismanic all-rounder for Pakistan over the years. Both are right-arm spinners, though Afridi has carried his bat more successfully than Badree, slashing some serious boundaries during his career.

The teams are yet to be announced, with the new West Indies captain, Barbadian all-rounder Carlos Braithwaite, confident that his team will be successful in the UAE. The West Indies have been playing in America, where the game is getting off the ground. Pakistan have just lost the ODI series against England 4-1.

The UAE Series

If the Windies have the edge on paper for the T20I matches to be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, then Pakistan will be looking for revenge in the upcoming ODI matches. Pakistan will also contest their first ever day-night Test with the new and controversial pink ball.

The West Indies Cricket Board turned down the opportunity to play the T20I matches in Pakistan, citing security fears – Pakistan have played virtually all their international matches in the UAE after the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus, when six players were injured and six Pakistani policemen were killed.

Globalising the Game

If you’re inspired to get back to the wicket or to take up cricket for the first time, you’ll find some great online bargains right now on all your essential equipment. Don’t forget to look for cricket bags for sale to carry it all round in, then settle back and enjoy some quality T20I cricket – the most exciting format around.