Pakistan Triumphs in a Thriller as Debutant Hasan Nawaz Steals the Spotlight

The opening ODI between West Indies and Pakistan at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba had everything fans could hope for—fluent batting, fiery bowling, tense moments, and a debutant calmly guiding his side to victory under pressure. In the end, Pakistan chased down 281 with five wickets in hand and seven balls to spare, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

West Indies’ Innings: A Steady Start, a Mid-Overs Push

Batting first on a pitch offering early seam movement, West Indies lost Brandon King cheaply, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough. However, Evin Lewis brought stability with a composed half-century, blending watchful defense with crisp strokeplay. Keacy Carty supported him well before an unfortunate dismissal—caught off a full toss—halted his progress.

Captain Shai Hope had a measured start, even changing bats mid-innings after struggling to time the ball. He anchored the middle overs, eventually reaching a patient fifty. Roston Chase then added much-needed momentum with an elegant innings, finding the gaps and rotating the strike effectively.

The platform looked set for a late onslaught, but Afridi removed Hope with a clever change of pace, triggering a mini-collapse. Still, Gudakesh Motie’s cameo in the final overs helped West Indies reach a competitive 280 all out.

Pakistan’s Bowlers: Control and Cleverness

Pakistan’s bowling effort was a mix of discipline and variety. Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets and constantly asking questions with his length and movement. Naseem Shah was sharp at the death, picking up three important wickets to stop West Indies from pushing beyond 300.

The spin department, led by Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Sufiyan Muqeem, was equally effective. Ayub in particular used the pitch conditions smartly, keeping the scoring rate in check through the middle overs.

The Chase: Nerves, Setbacks, and a Hero’s Arrival

Pakistan’s chase began with promise as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan laid a solid platform. Babar, elegant as ever, crafted 47 runs, while Rizwan compiled a busy 53. But both fell before finishing the job, and with a few quiet overs building pressure, the game seemed to tilt slightly in West Indies’ favor.

Then came the defining moment—Hasan Nawaz, making his ODI debut, walked in with calm assurance. Partnering with Hussain Talat, who was playing just his second ODI, Nawaz turned the chase into a masterclass in controlled aggression.

The pair kept the scoreboard ticking with smart running, before accelerating in the final overs. Nawaz’s unbeaten 63 showed maturity beyond his years, while Talat’s composed 41* ensured there were no late stumbles. Their unbroken 104-run stand sealed the win with overs to spare.

A Win Beyond the Scoreboard

This victory was more than just a numbers game for Pakistan—it was a statement. The bowling unit showed depth, the senior batters laid the foundation, and a newcomer proved he could handle the heat of international cricket with grace and confidence.

For West Indies, the loss will sting, as they had their chances in both innings. But with two more matches left in the series, they have time to regroup and strike back.

The next ODI promises more fireworks, but for now, the spotlight firmly belongs to Hasan Nawaz—the young man who turned his first day in Pakistan colors into a match-winning memory.