Pakistan began their three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a strong display, clinching victory by five wickets at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and debutant Hassan Nawaz struck crucial half-centuries to guide the chase.
Chasing a target of 281, Pakistan’s innings started shakily. Opener Saim Ayub was removed for only five runs by Jayden Seales in the third over. Abdullah Shafique scored 29 from 33 balls and paired with Babar Azam for 47 runs. However, Shafique’s wicket left the score at 63-2.
Babar, calm as ever, added another 55 runs alongside Rizwan. Just as he approached a half-century, Babar was stumped for 47 off Gudakesh Motie, leaving Pakistan at 118-3 in the 24th over. Salman Ali Agha’s quick 23 kept the chase moving before Rizwan reached his 16th ODI fifty.
At 180-5 in the 38th over, Rizwan’s dismissal brought Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Talat together. The pair showed composure under pressure, adding an unbeaten 104 for the sixth wicket. Hassan, dropped once, made the most of his chance. He ended on 63 not out from 54 balls, with five fours and three sixes. Talat stayed unbeaten on 41 from 37 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan sealed the win in 48.5 overs.
Earlier, West Indies had posted 280 before being bowled out in the 49th over. Shaheen Afridi gave Pakistan the perfect start, dismissing Brandon King for four. Evin Lewis hit 60 from 62 balls, and Keacy Carty supported him before Saim Ayub broke the stand. Captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with 55, partnering with Roston Chase, who made a brisk 53. Gudakesh Motie’s late 31 from 18 balls boosted the total.
Afridi led the Pakistan vs West Indies bowling effort with figures of 4-51. Naseem Shah chipped in with 3-55, while Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Ali Agha took one wicket each.
With this victory, Pakistan lead the Pakistan vs West Indies ODI series 1-0. The second match will be played on Sunday.
