West Indies’ alarming slide in T20 Internationals continued as they slumped to a sixth successive defeat, falling 14 runs short against Pakistan in the first T20I at Lauderhill. Though the margin appeared narrow on paper, the contest was firmly controlled by Pakistan, whose spinners dismantled the hosts’ chase with clinical precision during the middle overs. Chasing a target of 179, West Indies made a promising start, reaching 47 without loss in the powerplay, but a dramatic collapse followed.
The introduction of spin turned the tide as Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub struck crucial blows to derail the innings. Nawaz, the pick of the bowlers, removed Johnson Charles, Jewel Andrew, and Gudakesh Motie in a single over to leave the hosts reeling. Ayub then dismissed West Indies captain Shai Hope in the very next over, and the home side never recovered.
West Indies vs Pakistan, 1st T20I: HIGHLIGHTS
Jason Holder briefly threatened to script a miracle with a blistering unbeaten 30 off just 12 deliveries, including four towering sixes. His late onslaught brought 38 runs in the final two overs, but it was too little, too late, as West Indies finished on 164 for 7.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 178 for 6. Young opener Saim Ayub set the tone with a stylish 57 off 38 deliveries, laced with five fours and two sixes. He stitched together an 81-run stand for the second wicket with Fakhar Zaman (28 off 24), providing Pakistan with a solid platform.
Although the West Indies’ bowlers showed discipline – with Shamar Joseph impressing with figures of 3 for 30 – they couldn’t completely stem the flow of runs. Pakistan’s batters never fully cut loose, but cameos from Hasan Nawaz (24 off 16), Faheem Ashraf (16 off 9), and a final-ball six from Mohammad Haris ensured 58 runs came off the last 31 balls, pushing the total beyond 175.
In reply, West Indies’ top order initially looked assured, but the innings unravelled under the pressure of Pakistan’s spinners. Nawaz ended with outstanding figures of 3 for 23, while Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with a wicket apiece. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the standout among the seamers, also picked up a crucial wicket and applied pressure throughout.
The defeat adds to West Indies’ woes in the format, following a 0-5 whitewash against Australia at home. With Pakistan now 1-0 up in the three-match series, the hosts will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid another series loss in front of their own supporters.
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