West Indies are set to host Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting on July 25 in Trinidad, with both sides eager to begin the new contest on a positive note. For the hosts, the series presents an opportunity to make the most of familiar conditions under Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican is expected to spearhead the spin attack alongside Gudakesh Motie, while the pace duo of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph will look to trouble Pakistan’s reshaped batting order with pace and bounce.
Pakistan, meanwhile, begin a new chapter with Babar Azam returning for a second stint as Test captain following Shan Masood‘s removal. The visitors have made bold selection calls by leaving out Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and the injured Saud Shakeel. They head into the series after a drawn four-day warm-up game against the West Indies Select XI, where centuries from Babar and Azan Awais provided encouraging signs. Ahead of the opening Test, several legendary batters continue to dominate the all-time run-scoring charts in this historic rivalry.
5 highest run-getters in WI vs PAK Tests
1) Mohammad Yousuf (PAK)
Former Pakistan batting maestro Mohammad Yousuf remains the highest run-scorer in Test matches between the two nations. He amassed an incredible 1,214 runs in the rivalry between 2000 and 2006 at a staggering average of 101.16. His consistency against the West Indies was remarkable, with elegant strokeplay and an unmatched ability to convert starts into massive scores. Yousuf’s dominance during his peak years made him one of Pakistan’s most dependable match-winners in the format.
2) Brian Lara (WI)
West Indies icon Brian Lara occupies second place with 1,173 runs from contests against Pakistan between 1990 and 2006. Averaging 53.31, Lara produced several memorable innings built on his trademark flair and exceptional timing. His performances often carried the West Indies batting line-up during a challenging era.
3) Inzamam-ul-Haq (PAK)
Close behind Lara is Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq, who scored 1,124 runs from 1993 to 2006 at an average of 53.52. Calm under pressure and renowned for his ability to control innings, Inzamam repeatedly delivered match-defining knocks against the Caribbean side and played a crucial role in many of Pakistan’s successes.
4) Viv Richards (WI)
West Indies great Sir Viv Richards sits fourth on the all-time list with 1,091 runs against Pakistan between 1975 and 1988. Despite facing several quality Pakistani bowling attacks, Richards maintained an average of 41.96 while dominating attacks with his fearless and aggressive batting style. His presence at the crease often shifted the momentum in the hosts’ favour.
5) Younis Khan
Rounding out the top five is another Pakistan legend, Younis Khan, who accumulated 1,030 runs from 2000 to 2017 at an average of 38.14. Known for his resilience and appetite for batting long hours, Younis frequently anchored Pakistan’s innings and delivered valuable contributions across multiple tours of the Caribbean.
Kraigg Brathwaite and Babar Azam aim to climb the charts
Among active cricketers, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite leads the way with 670 runs in 11 Tests against Pakistan. His ability to occupy the crease and blunt opposition attacks will once again be crucial for the home side. Pakistan captain Babar Azam is the leading active run-scorer for his team with 464 runs in eight Tests against the West Indies. Fresh off a confidence-boosting century in the warm-up fixture, Babar will look to add significantly to his tally. As another chapter unfolds in this long-standing rivalry, both captains have the opportunity to edge closer to the remarkable benchmarks established by legends from their respective nations.
