BRIAN LARA CRICKET ACADEMY – Pakistan started their ODI series against the West Indies with a solid five-wicket win on Friday.
Chasing 281, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub early in the third over. He scored just 5 before being dismissed by Jayden Seales. Abdullah Shafique (29) and Babar Azam steadied the innings with a 47-run partnership.
Babar played with control but missed a half-century, getting out for 47. His wicket left Pakistan at 118-3. Salman Ali Agha then chipped in with 23 to keep the scoreboard moving.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan played a key role with the bat. He scored 55 runs and brought up his 16th ODI fifty. After Rizwan’s dismissal at 180-5, debutant Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Talat took charge.
The pair added an unbeaten 104 runs for the sixth wicket. Hassan Nawaz scored 63 not out off 54 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. Talat supported with 41 not out from 37 deliveries.
Pakistan chased the target in 48.5 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.
Earlier, West Indies posted 280 runs after being bowled out in the 49th over. Shaheen Afridi struck early, removing Brandon King for just 4. Evin Lewis (60) and Keacy Carty built a steady partnership before Saim Ayub ended it.
Captain Shai Hope scored 55 and partnered with Roston Chase, who made a quick 53. Gudakesh Motie added a late boost with 31 off 18 balls.
Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 for 51. Naseem Shah took 3 wickets. Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Ali Agha each claimed one.
The second match of the ODI series will be played on Sunday, with Pakistan looking to seal the series.
In other related news also read Haris Rauf Achieves Major ODI Milestone Against Australia
