- August 1, 2025
PAK vs WI (1st T20I) – Highlights
In a fiercely contested opening T20I between PAK and WI at Lauderhill on July 31, 2025, it was Pakistan who held their nerve and emerged victorious by 14 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. With momentum bouncing like a beach ball in a hurricane, Ayub anchored the madness and emerged calm in the cricketing storm.
PAK, after being put into bat, posted a competitive total of 178 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by the stylish left-hander Saim Ayub, who crafted a crucial 57 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and two sixes. His timing was impeccable, and his footwork against spin was particularly sharp. With Fakhar striking early chords and Hasan Nawaz strumming a quickfire 24, the innings had rhythm—even if not the full symphony. Pakistan’s batting innings never exploded fully, but steady contributions throughout helped them maintain a healthy run rate.
Shamar Joseph stood out with the ball for West Indies, picking up 3 wickets for just 30 runs in his 4 overs. He dismissed key batters at vital moments, including Farhan and Zaman. Jason Holder and Akeal Hosein picked up a wicket apiece, but the Windies bowling unit conceded 14 extras and let go of crucial moments with some inconsistent lines, especially in the death overs.
Chasing 179 for victory, the WI innings started with promise but fizzled under pressure during the middle overs. Charles and debutant Jewel Andrew synced their bats like a perfectly tuned duet, both striking a stylish 35 to anchor the innings. The pair took the score to 72 before both fell in quick succession, sparking a collapse that saw West Indies slump to 110 for 7 by the 16th over. The middle order, led by Shai Hope and Rutherford, failed to stabilize the chase as Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz applied the brakes.
Nawaz was outstanding with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 23, including the prized wickets of Charles and Andrew. He bowled with accuracy and subtle variations that troubled the West Indian batters. Saim Ayub backed up his batting heroics by claiming 2 wickets in his 2 overs, including the crucial scalp of Shai Hope. Sufiyan Muqeem also played his part, bowling a tight spell and dismissing the dangerous Romario Shepherd.
A late counterattack from Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph gave West Indies some hope. Holder smashed 30 off just 12 balls while Joseph added a quickfire 21, but the damage had already been done. Despite their fireworks in the final few overs, the required rate was too steep, and West Indies ended on 164 for 7—14 runs short of the target.
Pakistan vs West Indies Scoreboard
Pakistan – 178/6 (20)
West Indies – 164/7 (20)
Result – Pakistan won by 14 runs
Player of the Match – Saim Ayub
Saim Ayub
PAK vs WI Playing XIs
Pakistan | Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem |
West Indies | Johnson Charles, Jewel Andrew (wk), Shai Hope (c), Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Jediah Blades |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
Visit JeetBuzz News to access our Highlights that are just for you and reminisce about all of your favorite cricket nostalgia moments while being thrilled by our solid Cricket Highlights updates. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!
