Pakistan and West Indies will meet in the first Test of their two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, starting on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Both teams will look to begin the series with a win and improve their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.
West Indies defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 at home earlier this month. Pakistan, meanwhile, will begin a new chapter under returning Test captain Babar Azam. The visitors have lost their last seven away Tests and will be eager to end that run with a strong performance in 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)
Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Pitch & Weather Report
The pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy is expected to help fast bowlers early in the match. As the surface wears down, batting could become more difficult, and spinners are likely to play a bigger role in the later stages of the Test.
The weather in Trinidad is expected to stay hot and humid throughout the match. Temperatures could reach 33°C, with humidity around 80%. Rain is forecast during the first three days, and overcast conditions may provide extra help for the seam bowlers.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan have the better record in this Test rivalry. They have won 22 of the 56 matches played against West Indies, while the Caribbean side have secured 19 victories. The remaining 15 Tests ended in draws. Pakistan have also won three of the last five meetings.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: 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: Toss Prediction
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is set to host its first-ever Test. However, First-Class matches at the venue suggest that batting first could be the better option, as the pitch is expected to become slower as the game progresses. The captain winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Score Prediction
If West Indies bat first: First innings: 270–310
If Pakistan bat first: First innings: 250–290
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Key Players to Watch
West Indies
Shai Hope: Hope is one of West Indies' most reliable batters and will be expected to anchor the middle order. A big innings from him could put the hosts in a strong position.
Kemar Roach: The experienced fast bowler will lead the pace attack. His ability to swing the new ball makes him a major threat in helpful conditions.
Justin Greaves: Greaves adds balance to the side with his useful lower-order batting and medium-pace bowling in the red-ball match.
Pakistan
Babar Azam: Babar comes into the series after a century in the warm-up match. Pakistan will hope for him to get a big score in the middle order.
Mohammad Ali: Mohammad Ali impressed with a five-wicket haul before the series and will be eager to carry that form into the opening Test.
Mohammad Abbas: Abbas has been in excellent rhythm with the ball in recent matches. His accuracy and ability to move the ball both ways make him a key bowler for Pakistan.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Best Batsman Prediction
West Indies: Shai Hope can finish as West Indies' highest run-scorer. He has the technique to handle both pace and spin in home conditions.
Pakistan: Babar Azam is the best pick to score the most runs for Pakistan. The returning captain will be crucial to the visitors' batting.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Best Bowler Prediction
West Indies: Kemar Roach is expected to lead the home side's bowling attack. His experience and ability to swing the new ball make him a strong candidate to finish as West Indies' top wicket-taker.
Pakistan: Mohammad Ali can become Pakistan's leading wicket-taker. He impressed with a five-wicket haul in the warm-up match and will look to make early breakthroughs in the opening Test.
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test: Winning Probability
West Indies: 55%
Pakistan: 45%
West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test Match Prediction: Expert Verdict
West Indies have the advantage of playing in familiar home conditions. Pakistan have enough quality to challenge the hosts, but the hosts are slightly favoured to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
