The hosts entered the two-match series with new confidence as they defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 in the series, their first win of this WTO cycle. Meanwhile, Pakistan have struggled in recent months, losing three consecutive Tests after beating South Africa.
Babar Azam returns as captain replacing Shan Masood, who led the side to 12 losses in 16 Tests. Babar also made encouraging progress, scoring a century against the West Indies select XI, while opener Azan Awaisi hit a hundred and returning pacer Mohammad Ali claimed a five-wicket win.
Pakistan were forced to make changes after opener Abdullah Fazal was ruled out with a lower back injury. Imam-ul-Haq returned to the top order with Awais while slow left-arm spinner Ali Usman made his Test debut ahead of the experienced Sajid Khan.
West Indies feature a pace-heavy attack featuring Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, with Jomel Warrican emerging as the only specialist spinner after Alzarri Joseph’s exit from the series.
The match also marked the first Test to be held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the 13th Test venue in the Caribbean.
