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Pakistan drew first blood in the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies, registering a hard-fought five-wicket victory in the opening encounter at the Brian Lara Stadium. Following their 2-1 triumph in the preceding T20I series, Pakistan continued their winning momentum, successfully chasing down a challenging target of 281 with seven balls to spare, largely thanks to a sensational debut performance from Hasan Nawaz.
West Indies’ innings: A tale of contributions, but no dominance
After Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bowl on a pitch that initially offered some assistance to the pacers, the West Indies innings got off to a shaky start with Brandon King departing early for just 4 runs. However, the middle order showed resilience, building crucial partnerships. Evin Lewis provided an aggressive start, top-scoring with a well-compiled 60 runs off 62 deliveries, including 5 fours and 3 sixes, setting a good tempo at the top. He was ably supported by Keacy Carty, who contributed a steady 30 runs.
The innings was then further stabilized by vice-captain Shai Hope, who played a measured knock of 55 runs off 77 balls. He anchored the innings, ensuring wickets didn’t fall in clusters. Towards the latter part of the innings, Roston Chase injected much-needed impetus with a brisk 53 runs off 54 balls, hitting 4 fours and 2 sixes, demonstrating his all-round capabilities. Despite these significant individual contributions, the West Indies couldn’t quite accelerate enough in the death overs, eventually being bowled out for 280 in 49 overs.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led admirably by their premier pacers. Shaheen Afridi was the standout performer, ripping through the West Indies lineup to claim 4 wickets for 51 runs from his 8 overs, including the early breakthrough of King. Naseem Shah provided excellent support, bagging 3 wickets for 55 runs. The spin duo of Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem, along with Agha Salman, chipped in with a wicket each, maintaining pressure in the middle overs and ensuring the West Indies didn’t reach a total beyond Pakistan’s reach.
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Pakistan’s masterful chase: Debutant Hasan Nawaz steals the show
Chasing 281, Pakistan’s innings began cautiously, losing Saim Ayub early. However, Abdullah Shafique (29) and captain Babar Azam (47) built a solid foundation, followed by a determined knock from Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a vital 53 runs off 69 balls. Despite these efforts, the West Indies bowlers, particularly Gudakesh Motie (1/42), managed to pick up crucial wickets, putting Pakistan under pressure. Motie’s tight spell, coupled with Shamar Joseph’s 2 wickets, kept the hosts in contention.
At 180 for 5, with the departure of the experienced Rizwan, Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position. However, it was then that debutant Hasan Nawaz stepped up to the plate, showcasing remarkable composure and skill beyond his years. The 22-year-old, alongside Hussain Talat (41 not out off 37 balls), forged an unbeaten 104-run sixth-wicket partnership that turned the tide decisively in Pakistan’s favour. Nawaz played a fearless innings, finishing unbeaten on 63 runs from just 54 deliveries, adorned with 5 fours and 3 towering sixes. He struck a crucial six in the 49th over before hitting the winning boundary, sending the Pakistan dugout into jubilation. His debut heroics rightfully earned him the Player of the Match award.
Pakistan won the first ODI by 5 wickets 👉 https://t.co/jLvGFfBy3I#cricket #WIvPAK #ODI #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/AsSfBmh3Re
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 9, 2025
