Pakistan defeated West Indies by 14 runs in the first match of the three-match T20I series played in Florida.
West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Men in Green lost their first wicket in the fourth over, with Sahibzada Farhan dismissed early. However, opener Saim Ayub, alongside Fakhar Zaman, stitched together a vital 81-run partnership that not only stabilised the innings but also laid the foundation for a competitive total.
Ayub was the standout performer with the bat for Pakistan, scoring a splendid 57 off just 38 balls at a strike rate of 150. His knock included five fours and two sixes. For West Indies, Shamar Joseph was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/30 in his four overs at an economy of 7.50. In the end, Pakistan posted a total of 178/6 in their 20 overs.
In reply, West Indies started cautiously. Their opening stand yielded 72 runs off 67 balls, but momentum was lacking. Mohammad Nawaz turned the game in Pakistan’s favour with a dramatic over, removing both openers—Johnson Charles and Jewel Andrew—along with Gudakesh Motie, all in the same over. That collapse put the hosts under serious pressure.
None of the West Indies batters could cross the 40-run mark. However, Jason Holder provided late fireworks, remaining unbeaten on 30 from just 12 balls at a blistering strike rate of 250. Despite his late surge, the target proved just out of reach.
Saim Ayub, after starring with the bat, also chipped in with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets in his two-over spell. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
With this win, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the series. The second T20I is scheduled to take place on August 3 in Lauderhill.
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