Pakistan vs West Indies T20I: Pakistan Clinches 14-Run Victory in Thrilling First T20I

Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz Shine at Central Broward Regional Park

Pakistan made a confident start to their three-match T20I series against the West Indies, securing a thrilling 14-run victory at the Central Broward Regional Park. The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series and was highlighted by standout, all-round performances from Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz, who made significant impacts with both bat and ball.

Saim Ayub Anchors Pakistan’s Competitive Total

Opting to bat first, Pakistan looked to set a challenging target on a pitch that offered assistance to both batters and bowlers. Despite the early loss of an opener, the innings was stabilized and then accelerated by Saim Ayub. Opening the batting, Ayub crafted a fluent 57 off just 38 balls, marking his second T20I half-century. His innings included five boundaries and two impressive sixes, epitomizing control and aggression.

Ayub’s 81-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman set the platform for Pakistan. Zaman contributed with a steady 28 off 24 balls, rotating the strike and allowing Ayub to play more freely. However, after their departures, Pakistan briefly lost momentum in the middle overs.

The middle and lower order, however, stepped up to ensure a strong finish. Hassan Nawaz provided a timely 24 off 18 balls, while Faheem Ashraf’s brisk 16 off 9 deliveries pushed the total forward. Skipper Salman Ali Agha added a quick 11 not out off seven balls, guiding Pakistan to a competitive 178-6 at the end of their 20 overs.

For West Indies, Shamar Joseph was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-30 and providing crucial breakthroughs when Pakistan looked set for an even bigger score.

West Indies’ Chase Falters Amid Pakistani Bowling Brilliance

Chasing 179 for victory, the West Indies got off to a measured start. Johnson Charles and Jewel Andrew built a solid 72-run stand for the first wicket, providing hope to the visiting fans. Both batsmen reached 35, balancing caution with calculated aggression. However, their conservative approach began to backfire as the required run rate climbed steadily.

The turning point in the match arrived during the 12th over, bowled by Mohammad Nawaz. In a dramatic sequence, Nawaz struck thrice, removing Andrew, Charles, and Motie in a single over. His figures of 3-23 not only halted the West Indies’ momentum but also put Pakistan firmly in control.

Saim Ayub’s All-Round Excellence

Already the standout batsman, Saim Ayub further demonstrated his value with the ball. He dismissed West Indies captain Shai Hope for just 2 runs and followed it up by sending Sherfane Rutherford back for 13. Ayub’s spell of 2-20 kept the pressure on the Caribbean side and effectively sealed the fate of the chase.

Further contributions from Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem, each taking a wicket, ensured West Indies found it difficult to keep up with the rising required run rate. By the 18th over, the hosts were reeling at 114-7, needing 65 runs off the final 18 balls—a near-impossible task.

Late West Indies Resistance Falls Short

Despite being down and out, West Indies showed fight through Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph, who launched a spirited assault in the death overs. Holder smashed an unbeaten 30 off just 12 balls, while Joseph contributed 21 not out from as many deliveries, threatening a late heist. However, Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerves, and West Indies ultimately finished on 164-7, falling 14 runs short of the target.

Pakistan’s confident display, driven by Saim Ayub’s all-round performance and Nawaz’s decisive spell, gives them early momentum in the series. All eyes now turn to the second T20I, where the West Indies will look to bounce back.