The hosts enter the two-match series with renewed confidence after securing a 1-0 win over Sri Lanka, their first win of the current WTC cycle. Pakistan, meanwhile, have struggled in recent months, losing three consecutive Tests after starting their campaign with a win over South Africa.
Babar Azam returned as captain after replacing Shan Masood, whose side had lost 12 of the 16 Tests in charge. Babar also enjoyed an encouraging build-up, scoring a century against a West Indies Select XI, while opener Azan Awais hit a hundred and returning pacer Mohammad Ali claimed a five-wicket haul.
Pakistan were forced into changes after opener Abdullah Fazal was ruled out with a lower back injury. Imam-ul-Haq returns to partner Awais at the top, while slow left-arm spinner Ali Usman makes his Test debut ahead of the experienced Sajid Khan.
West Indies named a strong attack featuring Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, with Jomel Warrican as the lone specialist spinner after Alzarri Joseph left the series.
The match also marked the first ever Test hosted by the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the 13th Test venue in the Caribbean.