Pakistan commenced their three-match T20I series against the West Indies with flair, sealing a decisive 14-run victory in the first T20I at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, nestled in Lauderhill, USA.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan set a challenging target, racking up 178 for 6 in their 20 overs, thanks to solid performances from both their top and middle orders.
Saim Ayub dazzled as the leading run-scorer for Pakistan, crafting an engaging 57 off 38 deliveries. Supporting him were Fakhar Zaman (28), Sahibzada Farhan (14), Hasan Nawaz (24), Muhammad Nawaz (9), Salman Agha (11*), Faheem Ashraf (16), and Muhammad Haris (6), together amassing 178 runs while losing just six wickets in their 20-over quota.
In the West Indies’ response, Shamar Joseph emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three crucial wickets while surrendering 30 runs, with Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Romario Shepherd each contributing a wicket. Despite this, the West Indies encountered difficulties in maintaining a consistent rhythm against the steadfast Pakistani bowling attack, ultimately being contained within 164 for 7 in 20 overs.
Johnson Charles and wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew forged a stable start with 35 runs apiece, but their exits heralded incoming pressure that the Caribbean batsmen struggled with, leaving the rest of the order unable to regain momentum.
Though efforts by Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph from the lower order were commendable, with 30 and 21 runs respectively, they couldn’t salvage a win within the stipulated overs.
Pakistani bowlers Muhammad Nawaz with a three-wicket haul and Saim Ayub with two wickets were instrumental, while Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan each chipped in with a wicket.
With this win, Pakistan clinches a 1–0 lead in the series, setting the stage for the second T20I on Sunday, where the teams will face off once more.