West Indies beat Pakistan by two wickets in a low-scoring thriller in Lauderhill, thanks to Jason Holder’s all-round brilliance.
Chasing a target of 134, West Indies needed eight runs off the last over. They could only manage four runs from the first five balls, but Shaheen Afridi bowled a wide on the sixth delivery, giving West Indies an extra run and one more ball. Holder held his nerve and hit a four on the final legitimate delivery of the over to take West Indies over the line.
The Windies had a poor start to their innings and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Only two notable partnerships were formed — a 26-run stand between Gudakesh Motie and Keacy Carty for the sixth wicket, and a 29-run partnership between Holder and Romario Shepherd for the eighth wicket. Motie was the top scorer with 28 runs off 20 balls, while Holder remained unbeaten on 16 off just 10 balls, with one four and a six, at a strike rate of 160.
For the visitors, Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/14 at an economy rate of 3.50 in his four overs.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Holder gave West Indies a brilliant start by removing both Pakistani openers in consecutive overs. Pakistan lost four wickets within the first 10 overs. The only notable partnership that helped them reach 133/9 in 20 overs was a 60-run stand between Hasan Nawaz and Salman Agha for the fifth wicket.
Holder finished with figures of 4/19 in his four overs at an economy rate of 4.80 and was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.
It was a must-win clash for the home side to stay alive in the three-match series after losing the series opener and they manged to cross the finish line. Now, the series decider will take place on 4 August at the same venue.
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