Pakistan have taken the lead in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a comfortable five-wicket victory at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Saturday.
Set a target of 281, Pakistan chased it down with seven balls to spare, driven by a calm and determined innings from Hasan Nawaz along with useful contributions from across the batting order.
Earlier, after being sent in to bat, the West Indies were dismissed for 280 in 49 overs. Evin Lewis gave them a solid start with 60 from 62 balls, while Shai Hope scored 55 and Roston Chase added 53. Gudakesh Motie chipped in with a rapid 31 from 18 deliveries to lift the total, but regular breakthroughs from the Pakistani bowlers kept the scoring in check.
Shaheen Afridi was the standout, claiming 4 for 51 and removing both Lewis and Hope. Naseem Shah also bowled well, taking 3 for 55. Saim Ayub, Salman Agha and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up a wicket each.
Pakistan’s reply began shakily with early losses of Saim Ayub (5) and Abdullah Shafique (29). Captain Mohammad Rizwan steadied things with 53, and Babar Azam added 47 in a vital stand. Once they departed, Hasan Nawaz anchored the chase with an unbeaten 63 off 54 balls, supported by Hussain Talat, who stayed not out on 41.
The West Indies bowlers found it difficult to apply pressure, with Motie being the most economical, conceding only 42 runs in his 10 overs. Shamar Joseph took two wickets, but Pakistan’s batting depth ensured the win.
With Pakistan now 1-0 up, the West Indies will need a strong performance in the second ODI to keep the series alive.