Pakistan kicked off their three-match T20I series against the West Indies with an impressive 14-run win at Central Broward Regional Park, taking a 1-0 lead on the back of brilliant performances from Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 178/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a composed half-century from opener Saim Ayub, who scored 57 off 38 balls with five crisp boundaries and two massive sixes. This was his second T20I fifty and proved crucial in setting the foundation for Pakistan’s innings.
Ayub formed a strong 81-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman (28 off 24 balls), helping Pakistan recover early and gain momentum. After a brief mid-innings stumble, Hassan Nawaz (24 off 18), Faheem Ashraf (16 off 9), and captain Salman Ali Agha (11 off 7)* played key finishing roles to push the total toward a competitive target.
Shamar Joseph stood out for the West Indies with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 30 runs, troubling Pakistan’s middle order with pace and precision.
In response, the West Indies started solidly, with Johnson Charles and Jewel Andrew putting together a steady 72-run opening stand. However, their slow scoring rate allowed pressure to mount, eventually resulting in a collapse.
The game shifted in Pakistan’s favor in the 12th over, when Mohammad Nawaz unleashed a stunning spell, taking three wickets in a single over — Andrew (35), Charles (35), and Gudakesh Motie (0). Nawaz’s final figures of 3-23 were pivotal in turning the match around.
Adding to West Indies’ woes, Saim Ayub made an impact with the ball, dismissing skipper Shai Hope (2) and Sherfane Rutherford (13) in successive overs. Ayub’s all-round performance was outstanding, finishing with 2 wickets for 20 runs.
By the 17th over, West Indies had slumped to 114/7, needing 65 runs from just 18 balls. Despite a valiant effort from Jason Holder (30 off 12)* and Shamar Joseph (21 off 12)* in the death overs, the hosts ultimately fell short, managing 164/7 in their 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem also picked up a wicket each, ensuring Pakistan maintained control throughout the chase.
With this commanding victory, Pakistan take a 1-0 series lead and will look to seal the series in the second T20I on August 3, once again at the Central Broward Regional Park.