West Indies face Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba in a Men’s First Class Match beginning on 18 July. The four-day warm-up fixture is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST, following a 3:00 PM UK start. It provides Pakistan with important preparation before the first Test at the same venue on 25 July, while West Indies can assess their red-ball options ahead of the two-match series. The final warm-up XI has not yet been published, so the players highlighted below are drawn from Pakistan’s confirmed touring squad and West Indies’ latest Test group. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Form Guide
West Indies
West Indies enter the contest after completing a two-Test home series against Sri Lanka. Their latest red-ball squad combined experienced campaigners such as Roston Chase, Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican with returning fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph. The warm-up match gives the hosts another opportunity to refine their batting combinations and assess which seamers are best suited to the conditions expected during the Pakistan series.
- Several established Test players are available within the current red-ball group.
- A varied pace attack should enjoy the bounce available at Tarouba.
- Batting partnerships will be important against Pakistan’s experienced bowlers.
Pakistan
Pakistan have named Babar Azam as captain for the West Indies and England Test tours, replacing Shan Masood, who remains part of the touring party. Their squad includes experienced players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas and Noman Ali, alongside several younger options. This fixture will be particularly valuable for adapting to Caribbean surfaces after an extended period without Test cricket in the region.
- Experienced batting core led by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
- Strong variety within the pace and spin departments.
- The match offers four days to settle on combinations for the opening Test.
Key Players
West Indies
- Roston Chase – The latest West Indies Test captain offers valuable middle-order runs and an important off-spin option.
- Joshua Da Silva – The wicketkeeper-batter returned to the recent Test squad after scoring heavily in domestic first-class cricket.
- Shamar Joseph – Back in the red-ball setup after injury, his pace and attacking approach make him a major wicket-taking threat.
Pakistan
- Babar Azam – Restored as Test captain, Pakistan’s leading batter will want valuable time in the middle before the series opener.
- Mohammad Rizwan – A dependable wicketkeeper-batter whose ability to counterattack can shift the momentum of a first-class match.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – The left-arm fast bowler can exploit early movement and challenge both edges of the bat.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy should provide reasonable pace and bounce during the opening sessions, although the surface may become slower as the match develops. Seamers who maintain a full length could receive early assistance, while spinners are likely to become increasingly influential later in the contest. Cloudy conditions and periods of rain are forecast across the four days, meaning interruptions are possible and captains may prefer to bowl first if moisture is present.
West Indies vs Pakistan – Prediction
Warm-up matches often prioritise preparation over the result, with both teams likely to rotate their bowlers and give several batters time at the crease. Pakistan appear to possess the stronger established batting core, particularly if Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan spend meaningful time in the middle. West Indies should remain dangerous if Shamar Joseph finds early movement and Roston Chase influences the later stages. With rain also possible, a draw is the most likely outcome, although Pakistan may enjoy the better of the cricket.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Babar Azam – The leading batting option and a strong fantasy captain.
- Roston Chase – Offers potential points with both bat and off-spin.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – A premium wicket-taking choice in helpful conditions.
