West Indies ODI defeat orchestrated by Hasan Nawaz, leading to a five-wicket victory for Pakistan
Pakistan Secures Tense Five-Wicket Victory in ODI Series Opener Against West Indies
In a thrilling turn of events, Hasan Nawaz made a triumphant one-day international (ODI) debut for Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten 63 runs to guide his team to a five-wicket victory against West Indies. The match, which took place in Trinidad during the 2025 series, saw Pakistan overturn a 101-run deficit with seven balls to spare, securing a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.
West Indies, led by Evin Lewis's 60 runs, posted a total of 200 runs before being all-out, with five wickets remaining. The innings saw significant contributions from Shai Hope (55 runs) and Roston Chase (53 runs). However, it was the Pakistan bowling attack that shone, with Naseem Shah taking three wickets in the final three deliveries, dismissing Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, and Jediah Blades.
In response, Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 101/5, with Mohammad Rizwan being dismissed for 53 runs. But Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat, who scored 41 runs in the same match, combined for a crucial 104-run partnership to steer Pakistan towards victory.
Nawaz's innings was a calm and composed display of batting, marked by three sixes and five fours. He reached his half-century off 47 balls, setting the platform for the successful chase. The match-winning moment came in the 49th over when Nawaz struck six on the second ball and blasted the winning shot to the boundary off the final delivery by Joseph.
The debutant's performance was widely praised, with his talent and strong batting skills on full display. Hasan Nawaz received his official ODI cap from the team manager before the match, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting career in international cricket for the young batsman.
In addition to Nawaz's heroics, Brandon King was bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi on the fifth ball of the opening over, scoring just 4 runs. Romario Shepherd, who was dismissed on the last ball of the 43rd over by Shah, also contributed 4 runs.
The victory was a significant boost for Pakistan, who will look to carry this momentum into the remaining matches of the series. The next encounter is scheduled for later this week, where both teams will aim to secure crucial points in the ICC ODI rankings.
Football headlines might highlight Pakistan's ODI triumph, with sources suggesting a potential shift in sports news dominance. Hasan Nawaz's performance, reminiscent of a skillful footballer showcasing determination on the field, gained widespread acclaim in the sports world.
