Pakistan Stuns West Indies in a Last-Ball Thriller: 1st T20I Sets Series Ablaze

In a heart-pounding contest that swung like a pendulum till the final delivery, Pakistan edged past West Indies in the first T20I of the 2025 series, pulling off a thrilling win that left fans on the edge of their seats. Played at a lively Caribbean venue drenched in sun and sound, the match had everything—drama, fireworks, collapses, and a finish worthy of a cricketing blockbuster.

Babar’s Calm vs Caribbean Carnage

After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first—a decision that raised a few eyebrows given the traditionally chasing-friendly Caribbean conditions. But Babar Azam, ever the tactician, had his reasons. And he proved them right with a classic knock that anchored the innings with style and subtle aggression.

Opening the innings, Babar looked composed even as wickets tumbled around him. He crafted a crucial half-century, mixing elegant drives with cheeky singles, holding the fort while the middle order faltered under pressure. At one stage, Pakistan looked poised for a 180-plus total, but a series of soft dismissals, especially in the middle overs, clipped their wings.

West Indies’ bowlers, especially the pacers, tightened the screws in the second half. Akeal Hosein’s clever variations and Romario Shepherd’s change-ups kept the visitors guessing, as Pakistan managed to post a moderate but competitive total of 163/8.

Windies Fireworks—Then the Collapse

In reply, the West Indies started in true Caribbean fashion—explosively. Brandon King set the tone with a flurry of boundaries, unleashing his typical flair against anything overpitched. Pakistan’s bowlers looked rattled initially, with even Shaheen Afridi going for a few early blows.

But cricket, as they say, is a game of phases.

Once the field restrictions lifted, Pakistan clawed their way back through spin. Shadab Khan, showing immense maturity, picked up two quick wickets that flipped the momentum. Suddenly, the explosive start turned into a tentative rebuild, and the scoreboard pressure began to mount.

Still, it looked like West Indies were cruising when they needed just 25 from the last three overs with six wickets in hand. But then came Naseem Shah.

Naseem’s Final Over Heroics

The young pacer, with the game on a knife’s edge, bowled a final over for the ages. Tasked with defending nine runs, Naseem delivered with nerves of steel. He mixed his yorkers with hard lengths, and the West Indies batters simply couldn’t find the boundary.

With three needed off the final delivery, and the crowd roaring in anticipation, Naseem bowled a pinpoint yorker that left the batter scrambling—and falling short. Pakistan erupted. West Indies, heartbroken.

What This Means for the Series

This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. For Pakistan, it was about proving they could hold their nerve in crunch moments. For the West Indies, it was a missed opportunity and a reminder that even in a T20 game, discipline and strategy matter just as much as power hitting.

The match has now set up the series perfectly. The next encounters will be anything but predictable.

Pakistan’s resilience and tactical discipline gave them the edge in this encounter, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned from West Indies cricket—it’s that they never stay down for long.

Get ready. This series has just begun to heat up.