Pak-WI first T20I today

The West Indies will hope to forget their off-field turmoil and underline their status as World Twenty20 champions when they face buoyant Pakistan in a three-match series starting on Friday.

The supremely talented but troubled side have arrived in the United Arab Emirates after sacking coach Phil Simmons and without all-rounder Andre Russell, who is facing a doping hearing.

The Windies are also missing flamboyant big-hitter Chris Gayle, who complains of injury problems and makes only sporadic appearances for his country.

Pakistan are in good form, smashing hosts England by nine wickets in the only Twenty20 game of their tour in what was Sarfraz Ahmed's first match as skipper.