Pakistan Beat West Indies in First ODI
Nawaz, Talat Lead Pakistan to Thrilling Win Over West Indies
PORT OF SPAIN — A brilliant unbeaten partnership between Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat powered Pakistan to a tense victory over the West Indies in the first day-night ODI on Friday.
Chasing 281, Pakistan found themselves under pressure at 180 for five in the 38th over after Mohammad Rizwan fell lbw to Shamar Joseph for 53. With 101 still needed, Nawaz and Talat steadied the innings, adding 104 runs for the sixth wicket to seal the win with seven balls to spare.
Nawaz smashed 63 off 54 balls, including three sixes and five fours, while Talat contributed 41 from 37 deliveries with one six and four boundaries. Nawaz struck a six early in the 49th over and finished the match with a boundary off Joseph’s final ball.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl, making an immediate breakthrough when Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Brandon King for four in the opening over. Afridi went on to claim four wickets, including that of West Indies skipper Shai Hope, who made 55.
Evin Lewis top-scored for the hosts with 60 off 62 balls, hitting three sixes and five fours, while Roston Chase added 53. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 280, with Naseem Shah taking the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries.
The three-match series continues on Sunday, with the final game scheduled for Tuesday.
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