(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Clinch Nail-Biting Win Against West Indies in T20I Series Opener
Pakistan kicked off their T20I series in style with a thrilling 14-run victory over the West Indies in the first match of the three-game series at Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, on Friday.
🏏 A Strong All-Round Show from Pakistan
Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive 178-7 after being put in to bat. The innings was anchored by Saim Ayub, who impressed with a stylish 57 off 38 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes.
Other contributions included:
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Fakhar Zaman – 28 runs
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Hassan Nawaz – 24 off 18 balls
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Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha – vital late runs
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Mohammad Haris – sealed the innings with a six off the final ball
Shamar Joseph was the standout bowler for the West Indies, finishing with 3/35, while Akeal Hosein and Obed McCoy picked up a wicket each.
💥 Nawaz Sparks Collapse in West Indies Chase
Chasing 179, the West Indies started strong, with Jewel Andrew and Johnson Charles building a 72-run opening stand. But the momentum shifted dramatically in the 12th over.
Mohammad Nawaz turned the match with a game-changing spell, taking three wickets in a single over, reducing the West Indies from 72-0 to 75-3. Both openers were dismissed for 35, and Gudakesh Motie followed for a golden duck.
🌀 Spin Magic and Tight Bowling Seal the Deal
Part-time spinner Saim Ayub added to the pressure, grabbing 2/15, including the key wicket of West Indies skipper Shai Hope, who was dismissed for just 2 runs.
Pace spearheads Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with crucial wickets as the West Indies slipped to 110-6 by the 16th over.
Although Jason Holder mounted a late challenge with an unbeaten 30 off 12 balls, it wasn’t enough to reach the target. The West Indies ended at 164-7, falling 14 runs short.
⭐ Key Performers
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Saim Ayub (Pakistan) – 57 runs & 2 wickets
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Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan) – 3/23 (Match-turning spell)
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Jason Holder (West Indies) – 30* off 12 (Late fightback)
📅 What’s Next?
With this win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second T20I is scheduled for Sunday, and both teams will be looking to build momentum ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
