Pakistan secures a 14-run victory over West Indies in the initial T20I match, with Saim Ayub leading the charge for the winning team in Florida.
West Indies Suffer 14-Run Defeat in T20I Series Opener Against Pakistan
In a thrilling encounter at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida, Pakistan emerged victorious over West Indies in the first T20I match of the series. The hosts, who were held back early in the game, made a strong comeback, dismissing Fakhar Zaman for 28 runs, thanks to Shamar Joseph's bowling.
Pakistan, batting first, posted a competitive total of 178 for 6, with Saim Ayub contributing a crucial 57 runs from 38 balls. Mohammad Nawaz, who took 3 wickets in an over, played a pivotal role with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/23.
In response, West Indies struggled to keep up with the target, being bowled out for 164. The West Indies squad, led by Shai Hope, included the young talent Jewel Andrew, who made history by becoming the youngest West Indian to debut in T20Is. However, Andrew's debut was not enough to turn the tide for the West Indies.
The West Indies' run-chase was hindered by Mohammad Nawaz, who stifled the hosts by taking three wickets in the same over. Despite a valiant effort, West Indies fell 14 runs short, giving Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series.
The West Indies vs Pakistan 1st T20I was not televised live on any TV channel in India, but could be streamed live on the FanCode app and website.
Key Details
- Pakistan's innings: Saim Ayub (57), Mohammad Nawaz (9), Shemar Joseph (3 wickets, 30 runs)
- West Indies' run-chase: WI require 116 runs in the final 10 overs, WI go five down, needing 79 runs in 30 balls
- West Indies squad: Shai Hope (captain, wicketkeeper), Johnson Charles, Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Alick Athanaze, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Jewel Andrew, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
- Pakistan squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (captain), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Khushdil Shah, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed
- PAK's victory: Pakistan win by 14 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series
- Uh-oh! Pakistan have their opener Sahibzada Farhan early on in the powerplay in Florida
- WI's powerplay score: WI are 47/0 in 6 overs
- Saim Ayub has brought up his half-century, his second of his T20I career as PAK cross 100-runs in the 11th over
- PAK's innings: Mohammad Nawaz (9) was the fifth wicket to fall
- Score after 18 overs: PAK 154-5
The second T20I match between West Indies and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on the same venue on Friday.
The West Indies team, despite the promising debut of Jewel Andrew, endured a challenging run-chase against Pakistan in the first T20I series match, ultimately falling 14 runs short due to exceptional bowling by Mohammad Nawaz. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Saim Ayub shone in the game, scoring a crucial 57 runs that contributed to Pakistan's total of 178 for 6.
