Pakistan thrash West Indies by 114 runs in dominant T20 series opener

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New Delhi: Pakistan kicked off their T20I series against the West Indies with a 14-run win in Florida All thanks to a strong all-round showing from opener Saim Ayub and a match-turning over from spinner Mohammad Nawaz. The margin may seem tight but it didn’t tell the full story of a game Pakistan controlled for large stretches.

Pakistan went in to bat first and posted a competitive 178 for 6, anchored by Ayub’s 38-ball 57. On a pitch that rewarded slower balls and variation, the visitors didn’t go ballistic but managed to keep the scoreboard ticking. Late cameos from Hasan Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf and a last-ball six from Mohammad Haris gave the innings a late boost of 58 runs off the final 31 balls.

West Indies collapse after strong start

West Indies looked composed in their chase early on. Openers Johnson Charles and teenager Jewel Andrew added 72 for the first wicket, scoring just above a run-a-ball. But the momentum flipped in the 12th over when Mohammad Nawaz picked up three wickets in five balls taking Andrew, Charles and Gudakesh Motie’s wicket, totally dismantling the top order. The West Indies slumped from 72 for 0 to 75 for 3 in the blink of an eye.

From there, the innings never really recovered. Skipper Shai Hope fell cheaply and the asking rate ballooned as Pakistan’s spinners tightened the screws. Saim Ayub chipped in with the ball too, returning impressive figures of 2 for 20.

Late fireworks but too little too late

Jason Holder did his best to salvage the chase with a blistering 30 not out off just 12 balls, cracking four sixes. Shamar Joseph added a quick 21 to bring some respectability to the total but chasing 179, Windies ultimately fell short at 164 for 7.

Pakistan’s disciplined bowling, especially through the middle overs, proved the difference. With the series now underway, the visitors have drawn first blood and in a way that will boost their confidence going forward.