LAUDERHILL, Florida (Dunya News) – Pakistan opened their three-match T20I series against the West Indies in commanding fashion, securing a 14-run victory in the first T20I at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, USA.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 178 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. A balanced effort from the top and middle order helped them set the tone.
Saim Ayub was top run-getter for Pakistan scoring 57 runs of 38 balls. Fakhar Zaman (28), Sahibzada Farhan (14), Hasan Nawaz (24), Muhammad Nawaz (9), Salman Agha (11*), Faheem Ashraf (16) and Muhammad Haris (6) were other contributers as Pakistan reached 178 runs for the loss of six wicket in their quota of 20 overs.
For West Indies, Shamar Joseph was pick of the bowlers claiming three wickets by giving away 30 runs, while Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd got one wicket each. In response, the West Indies struggled to maintain momentum against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack.
They were restricted to 164 for 7 in 20 overs, falling short by 14 runs. The opening pair Johnson Charles and Jewel Andrew (wk) took a strong start with both making 35 runs each. Their removal put pressure on the Caribbean side as remaining opening and middle order failed to maintain the momentum.
Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph from the tail order attempted to held the nerves with his 30-run and 21 run innings but they could not help their side to grab the victory in the allotted 20 overs.
Muhammad Nawaz claimed three-wicket haul while Saim Ayub took two wickets. Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan grabbed one scalp each.
With this win, Pakistan takes a 1–0 lead in the series. The teams will meet again for the second T20I on Sunday.
Teams:
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wk), Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiqan Muqeem
West Indies: Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Jediah Blades, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jewel Andrew