BRIAN LARA CRICKET ACADEMY — Battle for Test supremacy begun in Caribbean as West Indies won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan in the opening match of the two-Test series on Saturday.
With both sides searching for a turnaround in the longest format, the series opener carries added importance as Pakistan and West Indies look to gain early control and rebuild confidence.
Pakistan have entered the contest with a strong-looking lineup, featuring star batter Babar Azam as captain alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood and a pace attack led by Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad.
Green Shirts’ playing XI includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.
West Indies, meanwhile, have placed their faith in a balanced combination led by captain Roston Chase. The hosts’ XI features Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (captain), Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales.
Test rivalry between Pakistan and West Indies has produced several memorable encounters over the years. The two teams have faced each other 56 times, with Pakistan holding a narrow advantage.
The Green Shirts have won 22 matches, while West Indies have claimed 19 victories, with 15 games ending in draws.
Their most recent Test showdown came in January 2025 when West Indies toured Pakistan for a two-match series. Pakistan dominated the opening game, but the Caribbean side responded strongly in the second Test to level the series 1-1.
Neither side arrives with overwhelming form, as Pakistan and West Indies have managed just one win each in their last five completed Test matches.
Pakistan’s latest Test triumph came in October 2025 when they defeated the reigning ICC World Test Championship winners South Africa by 93 runs in the opening match of their home series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
West Indies, on the other hand, head into the contest after securing a 1-0 home series victory over Sri Lanka. The Caribbean side produced a dominant performance in the first Test, winning by an innings and 217 runs, before the second match ended in a draw.
As West Indies take the first strike and Pakistan prepare to unleash their attack, the opening Test promises a gripping contest between two teams eager to make a statement in the red-ball arena.
