Cricket fans around the globe have their eyes fixed on Tarouba, Trinidad, as the West Indies and Pakistan lock horns in a two-match Test series that kicked off on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The Brian Lara Stadium, a venue steeped in Caribbean cricketing lore, is hosting its maiden men's Test—an occasion that adds an extra layer of excitement to an already tantalizing contest. The action will later move to the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain for the second Test, set to begin on August 2.
For the West Indies, this series is about more than just points or pride—it's a shot at history. The hosts are eager to end a 26-year drought, having not claimed a Test series victory over Pakistan since the turn of the millennium in 2000. Their recent form provides a glimmer of hope; a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sri Lanka earlier this month has boosted confidence and set the stage for a spirited campaign under the leadership of Roston Chase.
Pakistan, meanwhile, enters the Caribbean with a point to prove and a new man at the helm. Babar Azam, one of cricket’s modern batting maestros, returns as Test captain, taking over from Shan Masood after a turbulent period that saw Pakistan lose 12 of their last 16 Tests—including a stinging 0-2 home series defeat to Bangladesh in May. The pressure is on, but so is the resolve: "We know what’s at stake, and the boys are hungry to turn things around," Babar Azam said ahead of the series, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Both sides rolled out their lineups with a mix of experience and fresh faces. For the West Indies, the playing XI features Brandon King, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope (wicketkeeper), Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (captain), Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales. Notably absent is Alzarri Joseph, but the pace trio of Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Kemar Roach is expected to test Pakistan’s batting mettle on home turf.
Pakistan's starting lineup includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Abbas. The visitors are without the services of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was left out of the 16-member squad, and Abdullah Fazal, who suffered an acute lower back injury during training at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground. Their absence is a blow, but the team’s depth will be put to the test.
As the first Test got underway, West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first—a bold move given the looming threat of rain. Weather forecasts indicate a 40% to 50% chance of showers each day, and interruptions could play a significant role in shaping the result. The toss itself took place at 7:00 p.m. IST, with the match commencing at 7:30 p.m. IST (10:00 a.m. local time in Trinidad), ensuring prime viewing for fans across multiple time zones.
Broadcast and streaming options for the series are as diverse as the global cricket audience. Fans in India can catch every ball via live streaming on the FanCode app and website, while those in Pakistan have access through PTV Sports and Tapmad. In the UK and Ireland, TNT Sports and discovery+ are carrying the action, and Willow TV is the go-to channel for viewers in the USA and Canada. Caribbean fans can tune in on ESPN Caribbean or the ESPN app, and Australians have Kayo Sports as their digital destination. SuperSport covers Sub-Saharan Africa, and in the UAE, Cricbuzz 2 via Starzplay offers live streaming.
The stakes are high for both teams. For the West Indies, a series win would not only snap a long-standing losing streak against Pakistan but also inject fresh optimism into a side that has managed just one win in their last ten Tests. Their recent victory over Sri Lanka has provided a much-needed morale boost, and with the likes of Roston Chase at the helm, the squad is eager to capitalize on home advantage. "This is a huge opportunity for us to show what we’re capable of on our own turf," Chase remarked in a pre-series press conference.
Pakistan, on the other hand, is desperate for a turnaround. Under Babar Azam’s stewardship, the team is seeking to reverse a worrying trend of defeats and reestablish itself as a force in the World Test Championship cycle. The exclusion of Shaheen Shah Afridi raised eyebrows, but Babar’s own form—highlighted by a century in a four-day warm-up match in Port of Spain—offers hope. "It’s about setting the tone early and sticking to our plans," Babar emphasized.
Historically, the rivalry between these two sides has produced some memorable encounters. Out of 56 Test matches played, Pakistan has won 22, West Indies 19, and 15 have ended in draws. In their most recent series in January 2025, the teams split honors with a 1-1 draw in Pakistan. Over the last five Tests, Pakistan holds a slight edge with three wins to the West Indies’ two, but as any seasoned cricket watcher knows, form and history can be thrown out the window when the first ball is bowled.
Both teams are navigating transition. The West Indies are missing Alzarri Joseph, but the emergence of Shamar Joseph and the return of Jayden Seales and Kemar Roach give their attack a potent edge. Pakistan’s new look under Babar Azam is still finding its feet, and the absence of key players like Afridi and Fazal will test their bench strength. For both sides, the World Test Championship points on offer add an extra layer of intensity to every session.
As the first Test unfolds, fans are bracing for a contest that could swing on a single session—or a single spell of rain. The Brian Lara Stadium’s debut as a Test venue adds a sense of occasion, and both captains are keenly aware of the opportunity to etch their names into cricketing folklore. With the series delicately poised and the weather playing its part, there’s an air of unpredictability that only Test cricket can deliver.
The opening exchanges have already set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested series. With the West Indies batting first and the threat of showers looming, every run and every wicket will carry extra weight. The second Test at Queen's Park Oval is just around the corner, and with so much on the line, neither side will want to blink first.
For now, the cricketing world watches and waits as West Indies and Pakistan battle it out in Trinidad, with history, pride, and precious Test Championship points all up for grabs. The series remains wide open, and the next few days promise drama, skill, and perhaps a little bit of Caribbean rain to keep everyone guessing.