PAKvWI: West Indies win the toss and bat first in the first …..

Admin.CEO 26 July, 2026News & Updates, Pakistan News

PAKvWI: West Indies win the toss and bat first in the first Test against Pakistan.

LAUDAT, Trinidad – West Indies opted to bat first against Pakistan in the first Test of the two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Saturday, with both teams looking to get off to a winning start.

With the toss in favor of the hosts and the West Indies opting to bat first, the opening day’s encounter is set to provide an early indication of which team can take control of a series that brings together two teams determined to rediscover consistency in Test cricket.

Babar Azam-led Shaheens have named a playing XI that includes Azan Owais at the top of the order and Ali Usman in the bowling attack. Experienced campaigners Muhammad Rizwan, Shaan Masood, Imamul Haq, Muhammad Abbas and Aamir Jamal also retained their place.

Captained by Ruston Chase, the hosts have gone with a balanced combination, which includes veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach, emerging pace sensation Shamar Joseph, spinner Jomal Warikin, and wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Jango.

Pakistan vs West Indies squads

Pakistan: Azan Owais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas.

West Indies: Taginerain Chandrapal, Brandon King, Kevin Hodge, Shai Hope, Aamir Jango, Justin Greaves, Ruston Chase (capt), Kemar Roach, Jomal Warikin, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Sales.

The two sides have shared a competitive Test rivalry over the years, meeting 56 times in the longest format. Pakistan have led the way with 22 victories, while West Indies have won on 19 occasions, with 15 matches ending in draws. Their most recent Test series was in Pakistan in January last year, where the hosts won the first before the West Indies bounced back in the second to level the series 1-1.

Both teams enter the series desperate to better their recent Test records. Pakistan and the West Indies have won just one of their last five full Test matches, underscoring the importance of building momentum in the new World Test Championship cycle.

Pakistan’s last Test victory was in October 2025, when they beat reigning ICC World Test Championship champions South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test of the home series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Meanwhile, West Indies will aim to take advantage of the home conditions as they look to gain an early advantage in the two-match tie.