Why it's trending
The first Test of the series between West Indies and Pakistan begins on Saturday, generating search interest. Pakistan's dominant batting in the warm-up match has heightened anticipation.
Pakistan's batsmen dominated a four-day warm-up match against a West Indies Select XI, declaring at 455 for four at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Centuries from Azan Awais and captain Babar Azam set the platform, with Awais reaching his century off 241 balls before retiring hurt, and Azam scoring 100 off 151 balls with 12 fours and a six, according to the Jamaica Gleaner.
The West Indies Select XI responded with 279 in their first innings, fighting back through Kavem Hodge's 92 and Tagenarine Chanderpaul's 51, but they fell short of Pakistan's imposing total, as reported by Caribbean National Weekly. The match ended in a draw, but the source noted that Pakistan's overwhelming dominance with the bat gave them a psychological edge heading into the first Test.
The first Test is scheduled for Saturday at the same venue in Trinidad. The warm-up match allowed both teams to fine-tune their preparations, with Pakistan's batting depth on display and the West Indies selectors likely to consider the performances of Hodge and Chanderpaul for Test selection.
The series marks a crucial outing for both sides. Pakistan, touring the Caribbean, will look to build on their warm-up momentum, while West Indies aim to rebound on home soil. The result of the first Test could set the tone for the remainder of the series.
Timeline
- Pakistan's batting dominates first two days
Pakistan declared at 455/4 after centuries from Azan Awais (retired hurt) and Babar Azam (retired). Ryan Bandoo took 2-86 for the West Indies Select XI. (Source: Jamaica Gleaner)
- West Indies Select XI replies, match drawn
West Indies Select XI scored 279 in their first innings, with Kavem Hodge making 92 and Tagenarine Chanderpaul 51. The match ended in a draw. (Source: Caribbean National Weekly)
- First Test begins
The first Test between West Indies and Pakistan is scheduled to start at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. (Source: Multiple sources)
Questions people ask
When is the first Test between West Indies and Pakistan?
The first Test begins on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, according to the reported day from the warm-up match.
Who scored centuries in the warm-up match?
Pakistan's Azan Awais and captain Babar Azam both scored centuries, as reported by the Jamaica Gleaner.
Did the warm-up match have a result?
No, the match ended in a draw, but Pakistan's dominant batting gave them a psychological edge, according to Caribbean National Weekly.
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