Xplorich
The hosts enter the two-match series with renewed confidence after securing a 1-0 series win over Sri Lanka, their first victory of the current WTC cycle. Pakistan, meanwhile, have struggled in recent months, losing three consecutive Tests after beginning their campaign with a win over South Africa.
Babar Azam returns as captain after replacing Shan Masood, whose side lost 12 of its 16 Tests in charge. Babar also enjoyed an encouraging build-up, scoring a century against a West Indies Select XI, while opener Azan Awais struck a hundred and returning pacer Mohammad Ali claimed a five-wicket haul.
Pakistan have been forced into changes after opener Abdullah Fazal was ruled out with a lower-back injury. Imam-ul-Haq returns to partner Awais at the top, while slow left-arm spinner Ali Usman makes his Test debut ahead of the experienced Sajid Khan.
West Indies named a pace-heavy attack featuring Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, with Jomel Warrican as the lone specialist spinner after Alzarri Joseph withdrew from the series.
The match also marks the first-ever Test hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the Caribbean’s 13th Test venue.
