In a thrilling series opener, Pakistan showcased resilience and composure as debutant Hasan Nawaz and second-game player Hussain Talat led their team to a five-wicket win over West Indies in the first ODI. Their unbeaten 104-run stand turned a tense chase into a comfortable finish, giving Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan’s Chase: From Nervy Start to Confident Finish
Chasing 281, Pakistan began cautiously, losing early momentum after Saim Ayub was dismissed cheaply by Jayden Seales. Babar Azam (47) and Abdullah Shafique tried to stabilise the innings, but Shafique fell to Shamar Joseph after a promising start.
At 179 for 5, Pakistan’s hopes rested on the inexperienced pairing of Nawaz and Talat. Nawaz endured a slow beginning, scoring just 3 from his first 12 balls, and survived two dropped chances. However, as dew set in, batting conditions eased. Talat’s aggressive stroke play, including two boundaries off Roston Chase in the 39th over, shifted the momentum.
A costly over from Joseph, leaking 17 runs including five wides, reduced the asking rate to manageable levels. Nawaz remained composed, finishing unbeaten on 63, while Talat’s quickfire 41 off 37 balls ensured Pakistan crossed the line with seven balls to spare.
West Indies’ First Innings: Strong Start, Slow Middle Overs
Put into bat under uncertain conditions, Evin Lewis (60) and Keacy Carty provided a steady start in the powerplay. However, the introduction of spin from Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Sufiyan Muqim disrupted West Indies’ scoring rhythm.
From the 9th to the 35th over, Pakistan bowled almost exclusively spin, drying up runs and forcing mistakes. Lewis’s aggressive approach backfired when he holed out to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who pulled off a sharp catch. Sherfane Rutherford’s scratchy innings ended cheaply, leaving West Indies relying on Shai Hope (55) and Roston Chase (53) for a middle-order revival.
Their 64-run partnership was too slow for the match situation, coming off 89 balls. Once Afridi and Naseem Shah returned with reverse swing, wickets tumbled rapidly. West Indies collapsed from 264 for 7 to 280 all out, with Afridi taking 4 for 51 and Naseem 3 for 55.
Turning Points in the Match
- Saim Ayub’s early dismissal by Seales halted Pakistan’s usual fast starts.
- Gudakesh Motie’s dropped catch off Nawaz at short third proved costly.
- Talat’s counterattack in the 39th over changed the momentum in Pakistan’s favour.
- Reverse swing from Afridi and Naseem dismantled the West Indies’ tail in the final overs.
Key Performers
- Hasan Nawaz – 63* (match-winning knock under pressure)
- Hussain Talat – 41* (quick runs to seal the chase)
- Shaheen Afridi – 4/51 (deadly with reverse swing)
- Naseem Shah – 3/55 (accurate yorkers in the death overs)
- Shai Hope – 55 (anchored West Indies’ innings)
- Evin Lewis – 60 (set the early tone)
Match Summary
West Indies: 280 all out (Lewis 60, Hope 55, Chase 53; Afridi 4-51, Naseem 3-55)
Pakistan: 284/5 in 48.5 overs (Nawaz 63*, Rizwan 53, Talat 41*; Joseph 2-65)
Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets and lead the three-match ODI series 1-0.
