West Indies will face Pakistan in the first Test of their two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, starting on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The venue will host its first-ever Test, becoming Trinidad's second Test ground and the 13th in the Caribbean.
West Indies recently defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 earlier this month. The hosts, led by Roston Chase, produced an impressive performance, including an innings-and-217-run victory in Antigua. Chase, who missed the ODI series against New Zealand with a finger injury, returns to captain the side.
Following a 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh, Babar Azam has replaced Shan Masood as Test captain. Pakistan have lost their last seven away Tests. Babar Azam and Azan Awais scored centuries in the warm-up match against the West Indies Select XI ahead of the series opener.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Match Details
Match: West Indies vs Pakistan, 1st Test
Tournament: Pakistan tour of West Indies, 2026
Date: Saturday, July 25 – Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM LOCAL (7:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM GMT)
Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Team News
West Indies are expected to keep most of the same squad from the previous Test series. Captain Roston Chase returns after recovering from a right index finger injury. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican could replace fast bowler Anderson Phillip, as the pitch in Trinidad is expected to assist spin in the match.
Fast bowler Mohammad Ali secured a five-wicket haul in the warm-up match. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad are likely to be included in the pace attack. The visitors will also depend on Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha in the middle order.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Predicted Playing XI
West Indies: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.
Pakistan: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Pitch Report
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy will host its first-ever Test match. In First-Class cricket, the surface has generally helped fast bowlers early with good pace and movement. As the match progresses, the pitch is expected to slow down, bringing spinners into the game during the final two days.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Weather Report
The weather in Trinidad is expected to remain warm and humid throughout the Test. Temperatures could reach 33°C, with humidity around 80%. Rain is forecast during the match, which may interrupt play and provide extra assistance to the fast bowlers.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Head-to-Head Record
West Indies and Pakistan have played 56 Tests against each other. The Men in Green have secured 22 wins, while West Indies have won 19 matches. Fifteen Tests have ended in draws. Pakistan have also won three of the last five Tests between the two teams, with West Indies winning the other two.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Key Battles to Watch
Babar Azam vs Kemar Roach: Babar Azam returns as Pakistan's Test captain and will be key to the visitors' batting. Kemar Roach remains West Indies' most experienced fast bowler and will look to trouble Babar with the new ball.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul vs Mohammad Ali: Tagenarine Chanderpaul will have the important job of seeing off the new ball at the top of the order. Mohammad Ali took a five-wicket haul in the warm-up game and will aim to make an early impact.
Shai Hope vs Mohammad Abbas: Shai Hope has been one of West Indies' most consistent batters in recent months. Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas will try to test Hope with his accuracy.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Players to Watch
West Indies
Shai Hope: Hope remains one of West Indies' most dependable batters. His role in the middle order will be crucial for the hosts.
Kemar Roach: Roach will lead the West Indies pace attack. He will look to make the most of the new ball and put Pakistan's top order under pressure.
Roston Chase: The West Indies captain returns after recovering from injury. Chase has the ability to contribute with both bat and off-spin.
Pakistan
Babar Azam: Babar enters the series after scoring a century in the warm-up match. Pakistan will rely on him to lead from the front with the bat.
Mohammad Ali: Mohammad Ali impressed with a five-wicket haul in the warm-up game. He will look to carry that form into the series opener.
Mohammad Abbas: Abbas has been in good rhythm, taking 10 wickets in his last two matches at an average of 23.80.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Free Live Streaming & Telecast Details
Fans in the Caribbean can watch the first Test live on Amazon Prime Video with a Willow TV add-on subscription. In Pakistan, the match will be streamed on Tapmad and Tamasha. Fans in India can watch the live streaming on the FanCode app and website.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Match Prediction
West Indies will start the first Test as slight favorites. They are coming off a series win over Sri Lanka and are familiar with the conditions in Trinidad. Pakistan will look to improve after losing their last seven away Tests.
