Pakistan started their three-match T20I series against West Indies with a thrilling 14-run win at Central Broward Regional Park in Florida. The match was played on Thursday evening, and it turned out to be a memorable one for Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Strong Start with the Bat
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Their innings began with a quick loss of opener Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 14 runs. But then came Saim Ayub, who played a brilliant knock. He scored 57 runs off 38 balls, hitting five boundaries and two sixes. His partnership with Fakhar Zaman was key. Together, they added 81 runs for the second wicket. Fakhar contributed 28 runs from 24 balls.
Later in the innings, Hasan Nawaz chipped in with 24 runs off 18 balls. Faheem Ashraf and captain Salman Ali Agha also added quick runs at the end. Pakistan finished their innings at 178 for 6 in 20 overs.
West Indies bowler Shamar Joseph was impressive. He took 3 wickets for 30 runs. Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Romario Shepherd took one wicket each.
Nawaz’s Game-Changing Over
West Indies started their chase well. Openers Johnson Charles and debutant Jewel Andrew gave them a solid start. Both scored 35 runs and built a 72-run partnership. But things changed quickly in the 12th over.
Mohammad Nawaz bowled a magical over. He dismissed Andrew on the first ball. Then, he got Charles and Gudakesh Motie out on the fourth and fifth balls. In just one over, Nawaz took three wickets and turned the match in Pakistan’s favor.
His final bowling figures were 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs. This over was the turning point of the match.
Ayub Shines with the Ball Too
Saim Ayub was not done yet. He came back with the ball and took two more wickets. He dismissed West Indies captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. His bowling figures were 2 for 20 in 4 overs.
Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem also took one wicket each. West Indies struggled after losing quick wickets. They were 114 for 7 at one point and needed 65 runs from the last 18 balls.
Late Fightback by West Indies
Jason Holder tried to fight back. He smashed 30 runs off just 12 balls, including four sixes. Shamar Joseph also hit 21 runs off 12 balls. But their efforts were not enough. West Indies ended their innings at 164 for 7, falling short by 14 runs.
Player of the Match
Saim Ayub was named Player of the Match. He scored 57 runs and took 2 wickets. His all-round performance was key to Pakistan’s win.
What’s Next?
Pakistan now leads the series 1-0. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Saturday, August 3.
Muhammad Ali is a passionate automotive writer with 7+ years of experience in two-wheeler reviews and industry trends. At HealthInsureZone.xyz, he delivers honest, hands-on insights to help readers make smart vehicle choices.