The West Indies red-ball team arrived in Pakistan on Monday for the first time in 18 years to compete in a two-match Test series. Their last visit to Pakistan was in 2006 for a three-match series, which ended in a win for the hosts.
The first Test match is scheduled to begin on January 16 at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi. The West Indies will be looking to make a strong start as they seek their first Test series win against Pakistan since 2000, which also marks their last victory over Pakistan in any format.
In their previous 18 Test encounters, Pakistan has won six matches, while the West Indies has claimed five victories, with seven matches ending in a draw. The most recent series in 2021 ended in a 1-1 draw, with Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi being the standout performer, taking 18 wickets across four innings, including a 10-wicket haul in the second Test to force a draw.
This series will conclude the World Test Championship (WTC) campaigns for both teams. Currently ranked eighth (Pakistan) and ninth (West Indies), neither team has a chance of qualifying for the final. South Africa and Australia have already booked their spots and will meet at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.
This series also marks the first time Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, will lead the team against the West Indies, providing him with the chance to secure his second series win as skipper. Prior to the Test series, the Pakistan Shaheens will play a three-day practice match against the West Indies to prepare for the main contest.
West Indies Squad:
Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican.
