Bridgetown, Barbados – Pakistan began their three-match ODI series against the West Indies on a winning note, defeating the hosts by five wickets in the first One Day International. The Green Shirts displayed an all-round performance, with a dominant bowling display followed by a composed batting effort, giving them a 1–0 lead in the series.
This match not only highlighted Pakistan’s balance between youth and experience but also introduced fans to a promising new talent — Hassan Nawaz, who made a dream debut with a half-century.
Toss and Match Overview
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, won the toss and elected to field first at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The decision proved fruitful as the Pakistani bowlers managed to contain the West Indies’ aggressive batting lineup despite some middle-order resistance.
The West Indies were bowled out for 280 runs in 49 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 281 runs to win. Pakistan chased the total with calculated aggression, reaching the target in 48.3 overs for the loss of five wickets.
West Indies Innings – Strong Start but Falters Under Pressure
The West Indies’ batting performance was marked by individual brilliance but lacked sustained partnerships.
- Evin Lewis was the standout performer, scoring a composed 60 runs, providing a strong start at the top.
- Captain Shai Hope, known for his consistency in ODIs, added 55 runs, building a partnership that briefly stabilized the innings.
- Roston Chase also played a crucial role in the middle order with a steady 53 runs, ensuring the team crossed the 250-run mark.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals, preventing the hosts from building a game-changing stand.
Lower-order contributions were modest:
- Sherfane Rutherford scored only 10 runs
- Gudakesh Motie contributed 31 runs, showing some fight down the order
- Shemar Joseph managed 8 runs, while Romario Shepherd scored just 4 runs before being dismissed
The innings eventually wrapped up at 280 in the 49th over, leaving the West Indies slightly short of a par score on a batting-friendly surface.
Pakistan’s Bowling Performance – Afridi Leads the Charge
Pakistan’s bowlers combined pace, swing, and control to keep the West Indies in check.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi was the star of the bowling attack, picking up 4 wickets, including two crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay that set the tone for the innings. His ability to swing the new ball at pace made scoring difficult for the West Indies’ top order.
- Naseem Shah, who has been in excellent form, took 3 wickets, troubling batters with his extra bounce and movement off the pitch.
- Saim Ayub, Sufyan Muqim, and Salman Agha chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring that the pressure was maintained from both ends.
Afridi’s fiery opening spell and Naseem’s control in the middle overs proved decisive in restricting the home side to a manageable total.
Pakistan’s Chase – Steady and Clinical
Chasing 281, Pakistan’s batting order showed maturity and patience.
- Hassan Nawaz, making his ODI debut, played with remarkable composure beyond his years. He scored 63 runs, impressing fans and cricket experts alike. His shot selection, footwork, and temperament were key in keeping the scoreboard ticking.
- Captain Babar Azam provided stability with an elegant knock, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries.
- Muhammad Rizwan anchored the innings in the middle overs, building partnerships and preventing any collapse.
- Hussain Talat finished the game with an unbeaten 41 runs, ensuring there were no last-minute hiccups.
The chase wasn’t without its tense moments, as the West Indies bowlers occasionally found breakthroughs. However, Pakistan’s middle order absorbed the pressure well.
Debut Celebration – Hassan Nawaz’s Special Day
Before the start of the match, a special moment unfolded when team manager Naveed Akram Cheema presented Hassan Nawaz with his ODI debut cap. The youngster received warm congratulations from his teammates and support staff.
Hassan’s debut half-century not only made it a day to remember for him personally but also gave Pakistan’s batting lineup another promising option for the future. His performance reflected a maturity seen in players much older, suggesting that Pakistan’s cricketing pipeline continues to produce gems.
Pakistan’s Playing XI
The Green Shirts fielded a balanced side, mixing seasoned campaigners with fresh talent:
- Abdullah Shafiq
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Muhammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
- Salman Agha
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Sufyan Muqim
This combination allowed Pakistan to maintain depth in both batting and bowling departments.
Series Situation and What’s Next
With this victory, Pakistan leads the three-match ODI series 1–0. The second ODI will be crucial:
- A win for Pakistan will secure the series, allowing them to experiment with their lineup in the third game.
- A win for the West Indies will set up an exciting series decider.
Pakistan will look to continue their momentum, while the West Indies will aim to bounce back with stronger partnerships and a more disciplined bowling approach.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Shaheen Afridi’s Return to Form – His opening spell rattled the opposition and proved why he is considered one of the best new-ball bowlers in world cricket.
- Hassan Nawaz’s Dream Debut – A composed 63 under pressure showed he belongs at the international level.
- Middle-Order Stability – Pakistan’s middle order handled the chase professionally, something they have struggled with in the past.
- West Indies’ Missed Opportunity – Despite good starts from Lewis, Hope, and Chase, the inability to build bigger partnerships cost them dearly.
Historical Context – Pakistan vs. West Indies in ODIs
Pakistan and West Indies have a rich ODI rivalry dating back to the 1970s. While the West Indies dominated the early decades, Pakistan has had the upper hand in recent years.
Before this series:
- Pakistan had won 20 of their last 30 ODIs against the West Indies.
- The Caribbean conditions have historically been challenging for Pakistan, but recent performances suggest they have adapted well.
This win further strengthens Pakistan’s confidence in West Indian conditions ahead of future ICC tournaments.
Final Scorecard Snapshot
West Indies Innings:
- Evin Lewis – 60
- Shai Hope – 55
- Roston Chase – 53
- Extras – 18
- Total: 280 all out (49 overs)
Pakistan Bowling:
- Shaheen Afridi – 4/55
- Naseem Shah – 3/47
- Saim Ayub – 1/20
- Sufyan Muqim – 1/35
- Salman Agha – 1/30
Pakistan Innings:
- Hassan Nawaz – 63
- Babar Azam – 48
- Muhammad Rizwan – 45
- Hussain Talat – 41*
- Total: 281/5 (48.3 overs)
Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
