Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, said the decision was aimed at exploiting the moisture in the pitch and the overcast conditions.

“We want to take advantage of the weather and pitch conditions. The message to the team is to adapt to the situation and play modern cricket,” he said, adding that the bowling combination was tricky due to uncertain weather forecasts, which was why the team was relying more on all-rounders.

Rizwan also confirmed that Hasan Nawaz is making his ODI debut for Pakistan.

West Indies skipper Shai Hope said he would have opted to bowl first had he won the toss.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining the consistency the team has shown over the past two years, noting that their focus remains on direct qualification for the next ODI World Cup — something they achieved in the last cycle after missing out in 2023.

Pakistan XI: Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem.

West Indies XI: Shai Hope (capt), Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jaydia Blades.

Pakistan recently defeated West Indies 2-1 in the preceding T20I series.

The two-time ODI World Cup winners West Indies are treating this series as crucial to strengthening their direct qualification prospects for the next tournament.