TRINIDAD: Pakistan secured a commanding five-wicket victory over hosts West Indies in the opening match of the three-match ODI series, taking a 1-0 lead.
Winning the toss at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, Pakistan opted to field first. West Indies posted a total of 280 runs before being bowled out in 49 overs, with Evin Lewis top-scoring with 60.
Chasing the target of 281, the Green Shirts reached the mark comfortably in the 49th over for the loss of five wickets. Hasan Nawaz led the chase with an unbeaten 63, while Hussain Talat remained not out on 41 to seal the win. Captain Mohammad Rizwan scored a solid 53, and Babar Azam added a crucial 47. Hussain Talat contributed 41 runs before his dismissal, and Salman Agha chipped in with 23 to keep the scoreboard ticking.
"I am incredibly proud of the team's effort today," said Captain Mohammad Rizwan. "Hassan's debut was simply brilliant, and he showed a lot of character under pressure. It's a great start to the series, and we'll look to carry this momentum forward."
Earlier, Pakistan's decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid off handsomely. The West Indies were bowled out for 280 runs in 49 overs. Openers Evin Lewis and Captain Shai Hope provided a strong start with scores of 60 and 55, respectively, while Roston Chase contributed 53.
However, Pakistan's bowlers, led by a devastating spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi, managed to restrict the hosts. Afridi claimed four wickets, while Naseem Shah took three. Saim Ayub, Sufyan Muqeem, and Salman Agha each picked up a wicket to dismantle the West Indies' batting lineup.
