A stellar performance by all-rounder Saim Ayub and a strong bowling display from Mohammad Nawaz led Pakistan to a 14-run victory against the West Indies in the first T20I match held at Lauderhill. Ayub, at the age of 23, was the standout player of the match, earning the Player of the Match award for his impressive contributions with both bat and ball. After Pakistan was put into bat, Ayub scored a fluent 57 runs off 38 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes, helping Pakistan reach a total of 178 for 6. He formed an 81-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman, which stabilized the innings after an early wicket loss. Late cameos from Hasan Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf added crucial runs. West Indies’ Shamar Joseph took three wickets. In the West Indies’ response, openers Johnson Charles and debutant Jewel Andrew put up a solid 72-run stand. However, the match turned dramatically in the 12th over when Nawaz took three crucial wickets, removing Charles, Andrew, and Motie. Ayub further intensified the pressure by dismissing Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Despite Jason Holder’s late onslaught of an unbeaten 30 off 12 balls, Pakistan held their nerve. Nawaz finished with figures of 3 for 23, while Ayub’s all-round performance included figures of 2 for 20, securing a vital win for Pakistan in the series’ opening match.
