Lauderhill, August 1, 2025: A composed all-round performance from Saim Ayub, complemented by a game-changing spell from Mohammad Nawaz, helped Pakistan claim a 14-run victory over the West Indies in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Central Broward Regional Park, Florida, on Friday.
Chasing a competitive target of 179, the hosts got off to a flying start, reaching 47 without loss in the powerplay. Debutant Jewel Andrew and the experienced Johnson Charles stitched a solid 72-run opening stand, with both batters notching up 35 runs apiece. Their partnership gave the West Indies early control of the contest.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the 12th over when Mohammad Nawaz dismantled the top order, claiming three wickets — including Andrew, Charles, and Gudakesh Motie — in a single over, reducing the Windies from 72-0 to 75-3.
The collapse deepened in the next over as part-time spinner Saim Ayub struck with his first ball, dismissing West Indies captain Shai Hope for just 2. He then removed Sherfane Rutherford (11) to leave the hosts reeling at 85-5.
Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi returned to the attack and dismissed Roston Chase for 5, while spinner Sufiyan Muqeem cleaned up Romario Shepherd (12), further denting the West Indies’ chase.
Despite a valiant late effort from Jason Holder, who smashed an unbeaten 30 off just 12 balls, and a useful 21 from Shamar Joseph, the required run rate proved too steep. The home side eventually finished on 164-7, slumping to their sixth consecutive T20I defeat after a recent 5-0 series whitewash against Australia.
Nawaz was the standout bowler with 3/23 from his four overs. Saim Ayub, continuing his impact, claimed 2/15, while Afridi and Muqeem took a wicket apiece.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, Pakistan posted a strong 178-7, thanks largely to Saim Ayub’s fluent 57 off 38 balls — his fourth T20I half-century. The left-hander provided stability and style, striking five boundaries and two sixes before falling to Jason Holder in the 12th over.
He shared an 81-run stand with Fakhar Zaman (28 off 24), who took the aggressive route to push Pakistan past 100. Debutant Shamar Joseph impressed with the ball, removing both openers and finishing with figures of 3/35.
Hassan Nawaz chipped in with a quickfire 24 off 18, while late contributions from Faheem Ashraf (15), skipper Salman Ali Agha (11*), and a last-ball six from wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris lifted Pakistan to a competitive total.
With this win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The second match will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
