TRINIDAD: Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series against West Indies after defeating hosts West Indies by five wickets in the opening encounter. Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first.
Batting first, West Indies were bowled out for 280 in 49 overs. Evin Lewis top-scored with 60 runs, while captain Shai Hope added 55 and Roston Chase made 53. Keacy Carty scored 30 and Gudakesh Motie contributed 31 runs lower down the order.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi bowled superbly to claim four wickets, Naseem Shah took three, and Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Agha chipped in with one wicket each.
Chasing a target of 281, Pakistan lost opener Saim Ayub early for just five runs. Abdullah Shafique scored 29 before being dismissed, while captain Babar Azam made 47. Mohammad Rizwan scored a solid 53, and Salman Ali Agha added 23. At 5 wickets down, debutant Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat steadied the innings.
Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 63 in his maiden ODI, and Hussain Talat scored an unbeaten 41, guiding Pakistan to victory in the 49th over.
For West Indies, Shamar Joseph took two wickets, while Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, and Roston Chase took one each. Hasan Nawaz’s composed debut innings was the highlight of the match, ensuring Pakistan sealed the win with an over to spare. The visitors now lead the series 1–0 with two matches remaining.
