TAROUBA, Trinidad: West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Saturday.
The hosts will be looking to continue their recent momentum after a series victory over Sri Lanka, while Pakistan enter the fixture desperate to arrest a dismal run of form that has seen them lose four of their last five Test matches.
Pakistan make bold selection calls
Pakistan, led by captain Babar Azam, have made several notable selection decisions for the series opener. The visitors have handed a Test debut to opener Azan Awais, who will partner Imam-ul-Haq at the top of the order.
The pace attack features a blend of experience and youth, with veteran Mohammad Abbas returning alongside Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad. All-rounder Aamir Jamal provides balance to the side, while spinner Ali Usman offers variety in the bowling department.
Spin bowler Ali Usman receives his test debut cap from Salman Ali Agha | PCB#WIvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/yq1lSnZdJZ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 25, 2026
West Indies banking on home advantage
The West Indies have named a settled side, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Brandon King expected to open the batting. The experienced Shai Hope, Kavem Hodge, and Amir Janhoo form the core of the middle order.
Captain Roston Chase will lead from the front with both bat and ball, while the pace attack features the formidable trio of Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican provides the spin option on what is expected to be a helpful surface.
Pakistan dominate head-to-head record
Pakistan hold a clear advantage in the historical head-to-head record between the two sides. The two teams have faced each other 56 times in Test cricket, with Pakistan winning 22 matches compared to West Indies’ 19 victories. Fifteen fixtures have ended in draws.
Their most recent encounter came in January 2025, when West Indies toured Pakistan for a two-match series that ended in a 1-1 draw. The visitors bounced back strongly in the second match after suffering a defeat in the opening fixture.
Both sides struggle for momentum
Pakistan and West Indies enter the fixture with equally underwhelming form, with both sides managing just one victory in their last five Test matches.
Pakistan’s recent record: L, L, L, W, L (most recent first)
Pakistan’s most recent success came in October 2025, when they defeated ICC World Test Championship holders South Africa by 93 runs in the opening Test of their home series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Since then, they have endured a difficult run, suffering defeats in their subsequent fixtures.
West Indies’ recent record: D, W, L, L, D (most recent first)
The hosts enter the series on a relatively positive note, having secured a 1-0 series triumph over Sri Lanka in their most recent assignment. That victory was built on a dominant innings and 217-run win in the first Test, while the second fixture ended in a draw.
However, prior to that series, the West Indies had struggled, losing two consecutive Tests and drawing two others in their previous five outings.
Pitch and conditions
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy pitch is expected to offer assistance to both pace and spin bowlers as the match progresses. The surface traditionally provides good bounce and carry for fast bowlers, while spinners can expect turn on days four and five.
The weather forecast for Tarouba suggests clear skies for the opening day, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s Celsius. A slight chance of rain is predicted later in the match, which could influence proceedings.
Key battles to watch
Babar Azam vs Kemar Roach: Pakistan’s captain has been in sublime form across formats, and his battle with West Indies’ veteran seamer Roach could prove decisive. Roach’s ability to extract bounce from the surface will test Babar’s technique.
Imam-ul-Haq vs Shamar Joseph: The Pakistan opener has been inconsistent recently but remains a key figure at the top of the order. Joseph’s raw pace and aggressive approach could trouble him early on.
Roston Chase vs Mohammad Abbas: Chase’s all-round abilities make him a crucial player for the West Indies. Abbas’s precision and ability to exploit any movement will be vital in containing the West Indies captain.
Shai Hope vs Khurram Shahzad: Hope has a point to prove after a quiet recent run. Shahzad’s ability to generate swing and seam movement could challenge the West Indies batsman early in his innings.
What the captains said
Speaking ahead of the match, West Indies captain Roston Chase expressed confidence in his side’s ability to perform on home soil.
“We’re excited to be back in front of our home fans. The boys have worked hard in the lead-up to this series, and we’re confident we can start well,” Chase said.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam acknowledged the challenge of playing away from home but backed his side’s experience to see them through.
“We know West Indies are a tough team at home, but we’ve prepared well. The boys are determined to put our recent form behind us and start this series positively.”
Series significance
The two-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, with both sides looking to accumulate valuable points. For Pakistan, a series victory would help them climb the WTC standings after a disappointing run.
For West Indies, the series represents an opportunity to build on their recent success and demonstrate that they are a force to be reckoned with in the longest format.
Match prediction
While Pakistan hold a superior historical record, West Indies’ recent home form and Pakistan’s poor run of results could level the playing field. The hosts’ decision to bat first suggests they are confident of posting a competitive total and putting pressure on a Pakistan side that has struggled with consistency.
- Toss result:West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first
- Pakistan debut:Azan Awais makes his Test debut
- Recent form:Both sides have just one win in their last five Tests
- Head-to-head:Pakistan lead 22-19 in 56 encounters
🇵🇰 Pakistan playing XI for the 1st Test match against West Indies 🏏#WIvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/FMD5szYioP
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 25, 2026
Pakistan Playing XI: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.
West Indies Playing XI: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Janhoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (c), Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales.
