Lauderhill, 1 August 2025: Mohammad Nawaz produced a game-changing over, claiming three wickets to seal a 14-run win for Pakistan over West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill on Thursday evening.
After being put in to bat, Pakistan posted a competitive 178 for six, courtesy of a fluent 57 off 38 balls by left-hander Saim Ayub, who later returned figures of 2 for 20 to earn the player of the match award.
In pursuit of the 179-run target, West Indies were 72 for no loss midway through their innings. Debutant Jewel Andrew (35, 33b, 1x4) and Johnson Charles (35, 36b, 2x4s, 2x6s) gave the hosts a steady start. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the 12th over when Nawaz, the left-arm spinner, struck thrice in five deliveries. He first removed Andrew to break the partnership, before dismissing Charles and Gudakesh Motie (0, 1b) in the same over to reduce West Indies from 72 without loss to 75 for three. Nawaz finished with figures of 4-0-23-3.
The collapse continued in the following over as Saim claimed the prized scalp of West Indies captain Shai Hope (2, 5b). Despite late resistance from Jason Holder (30 not out, 12b, 4x6s) and Shamar Joseph (21 not out, 12b, 1x4, 2x6s), the hosts ended on 164 for seven, falling 14 runs short.
Earlier, after the dismissal of Sahibzada Farhan (14, 12b, 2x4s) with 26 runs on the board, Saim who struck five fours and two sixes in his 38-ball knock, stitched an 81-run second-wicket partnership with Fakhar Zaman (28, 24b, 2x4s, 1x6).
The stand was broken when right-arm pacer Holder trapped Saim leg-before with the score on 107. Right-handed batter Hasan Nawaz (24, 18b, 1x4, 2x6s) was another contributor in the 20s, as the touring side closed their innings on 178 for six from 20 overs.
For West Indies, fast bowler Joseph took three wickets for 30 from four overs, applying pressure in the latter stages of Pakistan’s innings.
The second T20I will take place at the same venue on Saturday.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat West Indies by 14 runs
Pakistan 178-6, 20 overs (Saim Ayub 57, Fakhar Zaman 28, Hasan Nawaz 24; Shamar Joseph 3-30)
West Indies 164-7, 20 overs (Jewel Andrew 35, Johnson Charles 35, Jason Holder 30 not out, Shamar Joseph 21 not out; Mohammad Nawaz 3-23, Saim Ayub 2-20)
Player of the match – Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
