Saim, Nawaz give Pakistan 1-0 lead over West Indies

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan opened their three-match T20I series against the West Indies with a hard-fought 14-run victory at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill on Thursday, thanks to a sparkling all-round performance by young left-hander Saim Ayub and a game-changing spin assault during the middle overs.
Put in to bat after West Indies won the toss, Pakistan posted a solid 178 for 6 in their 20 overs. In reply, the hosts—despite a flying start—were held to 164 for 7, falling short in a match that swung dramatically after the halfway point.
Ayub Anchors Pakistan’s Innings
The backbone of Pakistan’s batting was Saim Ayub, who delivered a composed yet aggressive 57 off 38 balls, peppered with five boundaries and two sixes. He held the innings together after a fast start, ensuring Pakistan had a platform to launch in the death overs.
Support came from Fakhar Zaman (28) and Hasan Nawaz (24), while Faheem Ashraf (16) and Mohammad Haris (6 off 1)* added valuable late runs. Pakistan smashed 58 runs off the last 31 balls, ensuring their total was competitive on a good batting surface.
West Indies’ Fiery Start Fizzles Out
The West Indies looked in control early, as Johnson Charles and 18-year-old debutant Jewel Andrew blazed a 72-run opening stand, each contributing 35 runs. Their aggression rattled Pakistan’s seamers, prompting a strategic switch to spin.
That move proved decisive.
Nawaz’s Magical Over Turns the Game
In the 12th over, left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz produced a sensational spell—claiming three wickets in four balls. He dismissed Charles, Andrew, and Gudakesh Motie to reduce the hosts from 72–0 to 75–3, triggering a collapse that the West Indies could not recover from.
Sufiyan Muqeem struck next, while part-timer Saim Ayub removed captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford, finishing with two crucial wickets of his own. Pakistan’s spinners shared six wickets, applying the brakes right when West Indies needed acceleration.
Holder and Joseph’s Heroics Not Enough
All-rounder Jason Holder gave the crowd some late excitement with an explosive 30 not out off 12 balls, hitting four sixes, while pacer Shamar Joseph added a quickfire 21 off 12*. But with 22 needed from the final over, the effort proved too little, too late.