A powerful spell from Mohammad Nawaz and all-rounder Saim Ayub scoring a half-century made Pakistan secure a 14-run victory over the West Indies in the first T20I match, organised at Lauderhill.
At the age of 23, Saim Ayub was the game’s best player, collecting the Player of the Match trophy for his all-round effort with both bat and ball. Batting at the top of the order after Pakistan was asked to bat, he scored a smooth 57 off 38 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and clearing the ropes twice. With his resilient knock, he helped Pakistan score 178 for 6.
Ayub’s Partnership With Fakhar Zaman
Ayub’s 81-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman (28 off 24) recovered the innings after the early loss of a wicket. Hasan Nawaz (24 off 18) and Faheem Ashraf (16 off 9) cameos gave the late push. Shamar Joseph took 3 for 30, leading the West Indian charge, but Pakistan’s unbreakable foundation in the powerplay became crucial.
In reply, the West Indies made a solid beginning with openers Johnson Charles (35 off 36) and debutant Jewel Andrew (35 off 33) adding 72 runs. The match changed dramatically in the 12th over when Nawaz hit three times, removing Charles, Andrew, and Motie in quick time.
Ayub then contributed to the ball too, sending Shai Hope (2) and Sherfane Rutherford (11) packing to mount further pressure. Jason Holder’s firebrand unbeaten 30 off a mere 12 balls threatened to steal victory at the death, but Pakistan kept calm.
Nawaz ended with 3 for 23, as Ayub concluded a masterclass all-round display with figures of 2 for 20, ensuring a morale-boosting victory for the visitors in the first match of the series.
