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West Indies vs Pakistan-Pakistan’s Nawaz takes three West Indies wickets in 14-run T20 win
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West Indies vs Pakistan: Nawaz Stars in Thrilling 14-Run Victory in T20 Series Opener
In a gripping start to the T20I series between West Indies vs Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz delivered a match-defining performance, taking three wickets in a single over to steer Pakistan to a 14-run victory at Central Broward Park in Lauderhill, Florida.
This win marks a confident opening for Pakistan in the three-match T20I series, as the West Indies, still reeling from their recent 8-0 white-ball drubbing by Australia, faced another setback in front of a supportive home crowd.
Pakistan Posts Competitive 178 Thanks to Saim Ayub’s Classy 57
After being sent in to bat, Pakistan posted a solid total of 178 for 6 on a pitch that offered some help to bowlers. Left-handed opener Saim Ayub played the anchor role with a well-paced 57 off 38 balls, which included five boundaries and two sixes.
He built a crucial 81-run second-wicket stand with Fakhar Zaman, who chipped in with a brisk 28. The pair took Pakistan from 26-1 to 107 in the 12th over, giving their side strong momentum.
However, just as they looked poised for a 200+ total, the West Indies bowlers fought back. Jason Holder struck a crucial blow, trapping Ayub lbw to break the partnership, and fast bowler Shamar Joseph returned impressive figures of 3 for 30 from his four overs to contain the visitors in the death overs.
Pakistan’s middle order added some quick runs, but they couldn’t fully capitalize on the foundation laid by Ayub and Fakhar. Still, a total of 178 was always going to be challenging under the lights.
West Indies Start Strong but Collapse Under Pressure:West Indies vs Pakistan
Chasing 179, the West Indies got off to a promising start, with openers Johnson Charles and 18-year-old debutant Jewel Andrew putting together a 72-run opening stand. Andrew, showing maturity beyond his years, played fluently for his 35, while Charles also contributed 35 runs.
At the halfway mark of their innings, the West Indies looked well in control, scoring just over six runs an over and needing 107 from the last 10 overs.
But everything changed in the 12th over, when left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz turned the game on its head.
Nawaz’s Magical Over Wrecks West Indies’ Middle Order:West Indies vs Pakistan
After conceding 20 runs in his first three overs, Nawaz produced a moment of magic in his final over.
- First, he dismissed Jewel Andrew, ending the solid opening stand.
- Then, two balls later, he sent back Charles.
- On the very next ball, Gudakesh Motie was trapped for a golden duck.
From a comfortable 72-0, the West Indies suddenly found themselves at 75-3. The collapse continued in the next over when skipper Shai Hope was dismissed for just 2, scooping a delivery from Ayub into the deep.
The Caribbean side had lost four wickets for just five runs, and their chase unraveled quickly.
Late Fireworks from Holder and Joseph Not Enough
Despite the dramatic collapse, all-rounder Jason Holder and pacer Shamar Joseph tried to breathe life back into the chase. Holder smashed 30 off just 12 balls*, hitting four sixes in a dazzling cameo, while Joseph contributed a handy 21 off 12 deliveries.
Their late surge brought the West Indies to 164 for 7, making the margin of defeat look much closer than the actual complexion of the game suggested.
Still, it wasn’t enough as Pakistan held their nerve in the final overs, with Nawaz, Ayub, and Haris Rauf keeping things tight.
Player of the Match: Saim Ayub’s All-Round Show
While Nawaz’s over shifted the game, it was Saim Ayub who walked away with the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance.
His 57 off 38 balls provided Pakistan with the platform they needed to post a challenging total, and his bowling contribution of 2 for 20 added valuable breakthroughs that kept the West Indies from gaining momentum in the chase.
Speaking after the match, Ayub said, “It was a tough pitch to bat on, so building partnerships was key. I just wanted to play my natural game and stay calm. With the ball, I just tried to keep things simple and support the team effort.”
Captain Reactions: Momentum on Pakistan’s Side
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised his team’s all-round effort. “We started strong and finished even better. Saim and Nawaz were outstanding, and our bowlers kept their nerves in the crunch moments,” he said.
On the other hand, West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged the effort but lamented the middle-order collapse. “We were in a good position, but we didn’t handle the pressure well. We need to be more consistent, especially with bat and ball in the middle phase.”
Pakistan Leads Series 1-0: What’s Next?
This result gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match West Indies vs Pakistan T20I series.
The second and third matches will also be held at the same venue in Lauderhill on Saturday and Sunday, providing both teams a chance to adapt to the conditions quickly.
Pakistan will look to clinch the series, while the West Indies hope to bounce back and avoid another white-ball defeat after their tough campaign against Australia.
Final Scorecard Summary:West Indies vs Pakistan
Pakistan: 178/6 (Saim Ayub 57, Fakhar Zaman 28; Shamar Joseph 3-30)
West Indies: 164/7 (Jewel Andrew 35, Johnson Charles 35; Mohammad Nawaz 3-20, Saim Ayub 2-20)
Result: Pakistan won by 14 runs
Series: Pakistan leads 1-0
Player of the Match: Saim Ayub
Conclusion:West Indies vs Pakistan
The first T20 between West Indies vs Pakistan delivered all the excitement fans hoped for. While the West Indies showed promise, especially with their openers and late-order hitters, Pakistan’s experience and key performances from Nawaz and Ayub ensured they started the series on a high.
With two more matches to go, fans can expect more thrilling cricket as both teams aim to fine-tune their combinations ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
Stay tuned for updates and full coverage of the West Indies vs Pakistan T20I series.
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