Pakistan drew first blood in the three-match T20I series as they defeated West Indies by 14 runs in the opening encounter at Lauderhill, Florida. The Men in Green produced a clinical all-round performance, led by Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi, to go 1-0 up in the series. Meanwhile, the Windies’ poor run in T20 internationals continues.
After winning the toss, West Indies elected to bowl first. Pakistan had a cautious start, losing opener Sahibzada Farhan in the fourth over. However, Saim Ayub (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (28 off 24) built a crucial 81-run partnership off 51 deliveries to steady the innings. Finishing cameos from Hasan Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf powered Pakistan to a competitive total of 178/6 in their 20 overs.
In reply, West Indies looked promising early in the chase. Openers Johnson Charles and debutant Jewel Andrew both scored 35 runs apiece, stitching together a 72-run opening stand that put the hosts in a commanding position. But the momentum dramatically shifted in the 12th over, courtesy of Mohammad Nawaz, who delivered a game-changing spell with figures of 3 wickets in a single over (W,1,2,W,W,0). His scalps included Charles, Andrew, and Gudakesh Motie, with a spectacular boundary save by Shaheen Afridi preventing a six just moments before.
The collapse continued as captain Shai Hope was dismissed in the very next over by part-timer Saim Ayub, adding further pressure on the Windies.
Jason Holder (30 off 12) and Shamar Joseph (21 off 12) tried to ignite a late counterattack, but Pakistan’s bowling unit held its nerve to seal a 14-run win.
Saim Ayub was deservedly named Player of the Match for his blistering half-century and a key breakthrough with the ball.
The second T20I of the series will be played at the same venue — Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida — on Sunday, August 3 at 5:30 AM IST / Saturday, August 2 at 8:00 PM local time.