Pakistan‑West Indies Test series 2026 – West Indies lead

Pakistan arrived in Trinidad for a two‑match Test series that forms part of the 2025‑27 World Test Championship. After a four‑day warm‑up against a West Indies Select XI on 19 July, the official contest began on 25 July at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, the venue’s inaugural men’s Test and the 13th Caribbean ground for the format. The second Test is scheduled for 2‑6 August at the historic Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. Babar Azam captains Pakistan, having been reinstated following the brief replacement of Shan Masood. Squad changes include the omission of fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Noman Ali, and the loss of opening batsman Abdullah Fazal to a lower‑back injury; Imam‑ul‑Haq is expected to fill the vacancy. The West Indies side is led by spin‑bowling all‑rounder Roston Chase and coached by Darren Sammy, after fast bowler Alzarri Joseph declined selection for personal reasons. Left‑arm spinner Joshua Bishop earned his maiden Test call‑up and top‑order batter Kirk McKenzie returned to the squad; John Campbell remained sidelined with injury. On launch day, West Indies won the toss and elected to bat. Both teams are seeking valuable WTC points, with the West Indies aiming to secure a series win over Pakistan for the first time since 2000. In the opening Test, the West Indies secured a 90‑run victory. Shai Hope top‑scored with 92, while fast bowler Jayden Seales claimed key wickets, including Babar Azam for 58. Coach Darren Sammy highlighted the emotional significance of the series, noting it was the first major Test after the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, and said the win puts the hosts on track for back‑to‑back series triumphs. The teams now turn to the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval, scheduled for 2‑6 August.