West Indies vs Pakistan 1st Test Preview & Tips - Windies backed to extend Pakistan's woeful Test run

Pakistan were easily beaten by Bangladesh in their last Test match as the floundering nation slumped to a 78-run defeat. 

Wins by 15 runs and 217 runs saw the West Indies take an unassailable 2-0 lead. As the third and final match ended as a draw, the West Indies were able to extend their unbeaten run to three games. This run is made even more impressive when considering the Windies had lost seven of their previous eight, securing one draw in this time. 

The Windies have had some real issues when it comes to consistently building scores in the longest format, and this will be a focus across the Test series. Playing at home, the West Indies should have a good grasp on the conditions, and if they can stave off consistent batting collapses then they should win this match and the series against an opponent that is struggling in the longest format. 

A pair of wins over England back in late 2024 have come alongside a win over the Windies and a victory against South Africa. These victories have done little to paper over the cracks that have become very pronounced for a team that is still someway short of their best. 

Babar Azam returns as captain for the series and will be key for Pakistan. Not just tasked with being the anchor of their innings with the bat, intelligent use of his bowlers and trying to predict whether to bat or field first will be key. While it is not all on their best player, he will feel like he has a point to prove. 

Worrying for Pakistan is their awful run and the fact they were nowhere near good enough against Bangladesh as they lost their most recent Test series 3-0. Defeats by eight wickets, 104 runs and 78 runs shows Pakistan were well off the pace, and I predict more of the same in the first Test.