A game-changing over from Mohammad Nawaz turned the tide dramatically as Pakistan edged out West Indies by 14 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series at Lauderhill, USA. The left-arm spinner claimed three wickets in a single over, derailing a promising West Indies chase of 179.
At 72 without loss after 10 overs, the hosts were cruising with debutant Jewel Andrew (35 off 33) and Johnson Charles (35 off 36) setting a solid platform. But Nawaz broke the stand by dismissing Andrew, and then sent Charles and Gudakesh Motie packing in quick succession to reduce West Indies to 75 for 3.
Nawaz ended with figures of 4-0-23-3 and was ably supported by Saim Ayub, whose 2 for 20 included the prized wicket of West Indies captain Shai Hope.
It was a great game. We assessed the conditions really well. We were outstanding in the middle overs, especially the spinners. Once they found grip and turn, they bowled brilliantly.
Ayub Anchors Pakistan with Measured Fifty
Earlier, Pakistan posted 178 for 6 after being put in to bat, thanks to a composed 57 off 38 balls by Saim Ayub. The left-hander struck five fours and two sixes and built a vital 81-run second-wicket stand with Fakhar Zaman (28 off 24), recovering from the early loss of Sahibzada Farhan.
It was a challenging pitch to bat on. Our mindset was to build partnerships and not panic. On that kind of pitch, your shot selection is limited, so it's important to stay calm and adapt.
Pakistan’s total was further boosted by a handy 24 from Hasan Nawaz, while West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph impressed with 3 for 30 in his four overs.
Hope Admits Tactical Lapses in the Middle Overs
West Indies looked set to chase down the target, but their middle-order collapse and lack of momentum after Nawaz’s over cost them dearly. A late flourish from Jason Holder (30 not out off 12) and Shamar Joseph (21 not out off 12) wasn’t enough as the hosts finished on 164 for 7.
We didn’t field well, and we didn’t bat well at all. Saim and Fakhar didn’t give a lot of scope for Motie. I might have missed a trick by not bowling more spin. We need to learn quickly and put words into action.
Brief Scores Pakistan 178/6 in 20 overs (Saim Ayub 57, Fakhar Zaman 28; Shamar Joseph 3-30) West Indies 164/7 in 20 overs (Jewel Andrew 35, Johnson Charles 35; Mohammad Nawaz 3-23, Saim Ayub 2-20)
Result: Pakistan won by 14 runs.
