Pakistan down West Indies in opening T20I in Lauderhill

LAUDERHILL (Agencies): Pakistan’s all-round performance propelled them to a thrilling 14-run victory over the West Indies in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, on Friday. Chasing a target of 179, the West Indies faltered after a promising start, finishing at 164-7. Opener pair Jewel Andrew and Johnson Charles gave their side a solid foundation, putting on 72 runs for the first wicket. However, the game turned on its head in the 12th over when Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz took three wickets in a single over, reducing the West Indies from 72-0 to 75-3. Andrew (35) and Charles (35) both fell, followed by Gudakesh Motie, who was dismissed for a golden duck. The collapse continued as Saim Ayub, playing as a part-time spinner, took two wickets, including the crucial scalp of West Indies captain Shai Hope for just two. Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem also contributed with key wickets, leaving the West Indies struggling at 110-6 by the 16th over.

Despite a valiant effort from Jason Holder, who finished on an unbeaten 30 off 12 balls, the required rate proved too steep, and the West Indies were bowled out for 164. Nawaz’s figures of 3/23 were crucial in the win, while Saim Ayub claimed 2/15. Earlier, Pakistan posted 178-7 after being asked to bat. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub gave the team a steady start, but Farhan was dismissed for 14. Saim anchored the innings, making a fluent 57 off 38 balls with five boundaries and two sixes. Fakhar Zaman (28) supported well before falling to Shamar Joseph, who finished with 3/35. Hassan Nawaz added a quickfire 24 off 18 balls before Akeal Hosein dismissed him, and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with 8 off 6 balls. Faheem Ashraf (15) and Salman Ali Agha (11) provided important late runs, while Mohammad Haris finished the innings in style with a six on the last ball, taking Pakistan’s total to 178-7. Pakistan now lead the series 1-0, with the second match scheduled for Sunday.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 178 for 6 (Ayub 57, Shamar 3-30) beat West Indies 164 for 7 (Andrew 35, Charles 35, Nawaz 3-23) by 14 runs.