West Indies’ ICC World Cup qualification hopes dented by fresh injury ahead of Pakistan ODIs

The West Indies have suffered a massive setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting on Friday, August 8, in Tarouba. Young pace bowler Matthew Forde has been ruled out of the home ODI series after dislocating his shoulder while trying to take a catch during a practice session on Wednesday, August 6.

After losing Matthew Forde to a shoulder injury, the West Indies selectors have brought in Johann Layne, a promising seam-bowling all-rounder from the West Indies Academy, for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan.

Matthew Forde ruled out of Pakistan ODIs, Shamar Joseph to lead West Indies' pace attack

Now, the West Indies’ pace attack comprises Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, and Jediah Blades for the upcoming ODI series at home. Gudakesh Motie will lead the spin department, while experienced pacer Alzarri Joseph has been rested for the Pakistan series.

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However, the Caribbean side will still miss Matthew Forde’s services with the bat. In May 2025, the fast bowler smashed a 16-ball fifty against Ireland, and that was the fastest fifty by a West Indian in ODIs. The right-handed batter has 172 runs in 10 ODI innings.

Well, they are now hoping to bounce back after losing the T20I series 2-1 to Pakistan in Lauderhill. The hosts will now aim for a fourth consecutive ODI series win, having already beaten England twice and Bangladesh since the start of 2023.

West Indies eye comeback in ODIs after T20I series setback

However, this is just their fifth ODI series in nearly two years. The Windies still face an uphill battle in the ODI format. They have missed the last two ICC ODI tournaments—the 2023 ICC World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy—and currently sit 10th in the ICC ODI Team Rankings.

Now, they must climb at least one spot to break into the top nine in the ICC ODI Team Rankings to qualify directly for the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa and Zimbabwe. And for that, they need to beat the sixth-ranked Pakistan in the home ODI series to boost their standing.

Here’s the West Indies’ updated ODI squad:

Shai Hope (C), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Johann Layne, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

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Schedule for West Indies vs Pakistan ODI series:

August 8: 1st ODI at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

August 10: 2nd ODI at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

August 12: 3rd ODI at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

Pakistan ODIs crucial for 2027 ICC World Cup qualification: Daren Sammy

Meanwhile, Windies coach Daren Sammy sees the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan as a key step toward 2027 ODI World Cup qualification. The former World Cup-winning captain is aiming to boost rankings while building team unity and a winning mindset.

Daren Sammy said in an official statement, “Pakistan presents a different test and challenge as we continue our push for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup."