Toss Update: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against West Indies.
In overcast conditions at the Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad, Mohammad Rizwan explained that the uncertain weather influenced his decision to let the hosts bat first. Heavy overnight rain and the prospect of further interruptions played a role in the call.
Babar Azam returns to the XI, slotting in at No. 3, with Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub opening the innings. Debutant Hasan Nawaz takes a middle-order role. Pakistan have picked two specialist pacers — Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah — with Sufiyan Muqeem as the lone specialist spinner. Faheem Ashraf, Salman Agha, and Saim Ayub are expected to share the remaining overs.
West Indies skipper Shai Hope admitted he would have bowled first as well, noting that the home side is not significantly more familiar with the ground than Pakistan. The hosts have opted for a pace-heavy attack with four seamers, supported by spinners Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase.
This is only the second ODI to be played at the venue, with both the surface and weather adding a layer of unpredictability.
West Indies XI: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (capt & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jediah Blades Pakistan XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem