KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC) — Spin legend Iqbal Qasim has backed Pakistan to beat West Indies in their three-Test series starting later this month and end their long drought of having never won a series in the Caribbean.

The former convenor of selectors said several players expected to be picked in the Test squad had much to prove and argued this would augur well for the Misbah-ul-Haq-led unit.

“I always say this whenever a new series is starting: both teams have even opportunities to emerge victorious,” said the former left-arm spinner who claimed 171 wickets from 50 Tests and 999 first class scalps.

“In Pakistan’s case, this is yet another moment to make history in the West Indies and the team Misbah would lead has the potential to beat the hosts this time.”

He continued: “Generally, there is unpredictability about Pakistan batting, particularly in the modern era. But having said this, Pakistan have seldom performed as batting unit consistently.”

Pakistan have historically struggled on Caribbean tours and have managed just five wins in 23 Tests, without a single series win. Their last two tours of West Indies — in 2005 and 2011 — finished in 1-1 draws.

However, Pakistan are coming off a strong 2-1 series victory over West Indies in the United Arab Emirates last October, a tour that saw a monumental unbeaten triple hundred from opener Azhar Ali in the day/night opening Test in Dubai.

Veteran Younis also managed his 33rd Test hundred during that series and now lies 23 runs short of 10,000 runs in the longest format, while Asad Shafiq also got among the runs.

Iqbal pointed out that Azhar and Shafiq especially would be motivated to extend their form against West Indies.

“Azhar has a point to prove after being relieved of ODI captaincy. He would be more focused than ever before and continue from where he left off during the last series against the West Indies since he is a fighter,” noted Iqbal.

Pakistan face West Indies in the opening Test at Sabina Park from April 22-26 in the second second Test at Kensington Oval from April 30 to May 4, before travelling to Windsor Park in Dominica for the final game May 10-14.