West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test is underway RIGHT NOW at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. West Indies won the toss and chose to bat first. Early scorecard shows the hosts at 7/0 after 4 overs in Day 1, Session 1. This is a five-day Test match running from 25 to 29 July 2026, and Pakistani fans can follow all the action live starting at 7:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time each day.
West Indies vs Pakistan: Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | 1st Test, Pakistan tour of West Indies 2026 |
| Venue | Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad |
| Dates | 25 to 29 July 2026 |
| Start Time (PKT) | 7:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time |
| Toss | West Indies won, chose to bat |
| Early Score | West Indies 7/0 after 4 overs (LIVE) |
| Series | 2nd Test: Port of Spain, 2 to 6 August 2026 |
West Indies vs Pakistan Playing XI
The West Indies vs Pakistan match sees two very interesting line-ups. Here is the full playing eleven confirmed for Day 1:
West Indies Playing XI
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Brandon King
- Kavem Hodge
- Shai Hope (wk)
- Amir Jangoo
- Justin Greaves
- Roston Chase (captain)
- Kemar Roach
- Jomel Warrican
- Shamar Joseph
- Jayden Seals
Pakistan Playing XI
- Azan Awais
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Shan Masood
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Aamir Jamal
- Ali Usman (debutant)
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Abbas
Big Storylines Heading Into This Test
Babar Azam Returns as Captain
West Indies vs Pakistan carries a huge storyline for Green Army fans: Babar Azam is back as Pakistan Test captain, and this match happens to be his 100th first-class game, a big personal milestone. Babar came into this tour in fine touch, scoring a century in the warm-up match against a West Indies Select XI at this same Brian Lara Stadium. His return brings badly needed calm and leadership to a side that has struggled in ICC events recently.
Ali Usman Makes His Test Debut
Pakistan hand a Test debut to left-arm spinner Ali Usman in this match. With conditions in Trinidad expected to assist spinners as the match goes on, this is a bold and exciting selection. Pakistan fans will be watching closely to see if Ali Usman can make his mark on the big stage from Day 1.
Alzarri Joseph Missing for West Indies
The hosts face a real blow: Alzarri Joseph declined selection for this series, according to West Indies coach Daren Sammy. The aggressive fast bowler was centrally contracted but is absent for personal reasons. In his place, Joshua Bishop earns a maiden Test call-up while Kirk McKenzie returns. This is a significant gap for the Windies attack in the West Indies vs Pakistan clash.
Pakistan’s Warm-Up Form Was Encouraging
Pakistan came into this series with good preparation. In the four-day warm-up fixture against a West Indies Select XI at the same venue, Pakistan posted 455/4 declared. Young opener Azan Awais and Babar Azam both hit centuries, while fast bowler Mohammad Ali was sharp with the ball. That kind of form gives Pakistan real confidence going into this West Indies vs Pakistan Test.
Head to Head: West Indies vs Pakistan in Tests
These two teams have a habit of producing close, hard-fought series. When they last met in a Test series in Multan in January 2025, it ended in a 1-1 draw after spinner Jomel Warrican inspired a West Indies comeback. Before that, their 2021 series in the Caribbean also finished 1-1. History says do not expect an easy win for either side in this West Indies vs Pakistan
The Pakistan Angle: Why This Series Matters
Pakistan cricket is at a crossroads. The team has faced heavy criticism after failing to reach the semi-finals of their last four ICC tournaments. The PCB even fined players after recent ICC disappointments. This Test series is a chance for Babar Azam and the squad to rebuild confidence, rhythm, and most importantly, results in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. Pakistani fans need to see green shoots, and a strong showing in the Caribbean could set the tone for Pakistan’s upcoming England tour in August 2026.
Also on the horizon: Pakistan have earned a direct knockout berth in the 2026 Asian Games cricket event, alongside India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, based on ICC rankings. That is excellent news for the broader Pakistan cricket setup as they target multiple trophies this year.
For more on the series, visit the official ICC website or check the full match details on Wikipedia’s tour page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test start in Pakistan?
The match starts at 7:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT) each day. Play begins at 2:00 PM GMT, which converts to 7:00 PM in Pakistan.
Where is the West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test being played?
The match is being played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. This ground is named after West Indian legend Brian Lara and is set to become the 13th venue to host a Test match in the West Indies.
Who is captaining Pakistan in this Test series?
Babar Azam has returned as Pakistan’s Test captain for this tour. It is also a special milestone match for him, as this is his 100th first-class game.
Is Alzarri Joseph playing for West Indies against Pakistan?
No. Alzarri Joseph declined selection for the series for personal reasons. Joshua Bishop earned a maiden Test call-up in his place, while Kirk McKenzie also returned to the squad.