Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test Preview & Predicted Playing XI

The ICC World Test Championship race continues as Pakistan and the West Indies prepare to face off in the opening Test of their two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. Beginning on Saturday, July 25, 2026, the contest marks Pakistan's return to Caribbean conditions in what promises to be a closely fought red-ball battle.

Pakistan arrives with renewed leadership after Babar Azam's return as Test captain, while the West Indies will aim to capitalize on familiar home conditions.

With experienced performers on both sides and several intriguing individual contests set to unfold, the opening Test could establish the tone for the entire series.

Pakistan vs West Indies Head-to-Head Record (Last 5)

Recent meetings between Pakistan and the West Indies have produced competitive cricket, with Pakistan narrowly holding the edge.

• Pakistan won by 101 runs (May 2017)
• West Indies won by 1 wicket (August 2021)
• Pakistan won by 109 runs (August 2021)
• Pakistan won by 127 runs (January 2025)
• West Indies won by 120 runs (January 2025)

The two sides have shared victories in recent years, underlining how evenly matched this rivalry has become in Test cricket.

Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test Predicted Playing XIs

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed

West Indies Predicted Playing XI

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jomel Warrican

Pakistan vs West Indies Key Player Battles

Babar Azam vs Jomel Warrican

Babar Azam enters the Test in outstanding touch following his century during the warm-up fixture. However, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican has previously troubled Pakistan's batting lineup. Their contest on a wearing surface could prove decisive.

Kraigg Brathwaite vs Sajid Khan

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite is known for his patience and defensive resilience. Pakistan will rely on Sajid as he could once again become Pakistan's primary wicket-taking threat.

Mohammad Rizwan vs Shamar Joseph

Mohammad Rizwan's counter-attacking style often changes the momentum of Test matches. On the other hand, Shamar Joseph’s steep bounce makes him one of the Caribbean's most exciting fast bowlers.

Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test Preview

From a tactical perspective, Pakistan appear slightly stronger due to their experienced batting lineup and proven spin combination.

The return of Babar Azam as captain provides stability, while players such as Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan strengthen the middle order. Pakistan also possess multiple bowling options capable of adapting to changing pitch conditions.

West Indies, however, should not be underestimated. Their pace attack can exploit the new ball effectively, while their spin resources become increasingly dangerous as the surface wears.

The outcome may ultimately depend on which team performs better during the first two days. 

Watch Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test Live on tapmad

Catch every session of the Pak vs WI 1st Test live on tapmad. Follow every wicket, partnership, and turning point as the two teams begin their ICC World Test Championship campaign in Trinidad.