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Pakistan started their three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a confident five-wicket victory at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Friday.
The win was set up by half-centuries from captain Mohammad Rizwan and debutant Hassan Nawaz, along with a crucial unbeaten partnership from Hassan and Hussain Talat.
Chasing 281, Pakistan lost opener Saim Ayub early for just 5 runs, dismissed by Jayden Seales in the third over. Abdullah Shafique then joined Babar Azam to add 47 runs for the second wicket, but his innings ended on 29 when he was dismissed by Shamar Joseph.
Babar and Rizwan steadied the chase with a 55-run stand. Babar, looking in fine touch, fell for 47 after being stumped off Gudakesh Motie, while Rizwan carried on to bring up his 16th ODI half-century. Salman Ali Agha made 23 before Roston Chase claimed his wicket.
At 180-5, debutant Hassan Nawaz and all-rounder Hussain Talat took charge. The pair added an unbeaten 104-run partnership for the sixth wicket, guiding Pakistan home with seven balls to spare. Hassan remained not out on 63 from 54 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Talat scored 41* off 37 balls.
Earlier, the West Indies posted 280 after being bowled out in the 49 overs. Evin Lewis top-scored with 60 off 62 balls, while captain Shai Hope made 55 and Roston Chase added 53. Gudakesh Motie chipped in with a quickfire 31 from 18 balls.
Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling with 4-51, supported by Naseem Shah’s 3-55. Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Ali Agha picked up one wicket each.
With this win, Pakistan lead the series 1-0. The second ODI will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
