Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat Seal Thrilling Win

Hasan Nawaz, on his ODI debut, and comeback star Hussain Talat powered Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over West Indies in the opening match of the three-game series in Trinidad. Their unbeaten 104-run partnership guided Pakistan to chase down the 281-run target with seven balls remaining at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Friday night.

Match-Winning Partnership

Hasan, who became Pakistan’s 254th ODI player, scored an impressive 63 not out off 52 balls with five fours and three sixes. He came to the crease when Pakistan were struggling at 158-4 in the 31st over. Hussain, returning to ODIs after six years, joined him at 180-5 in the 38th over and scored a composed 41 not out from 31 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six.

The duo quickly shifted the momentum. In the two overs after Hussain arrived, they added 26 runs, taking the score to 209-5 by the 40th over. Over the next 8.5 overs, they struck five fours and three sixes, ensuring Pakistan crossed the finish line without further loss.

Steady Start Despite Early Loss

Pakistan’s chase began with the early dismissal of Saim Ayub. However, Mohammad Rizwan anchored the innings, building crucial partnerships. He added 40 runs with Babar Azam and 40 more with Salman Ali Agha. Salman contributed 23 off 26 balls, hitting three boundaries.

Read: Babar Azam Eyes ODI Glory as Pakistan Clash With WI

Babar played a steady knock of 47 from 64 deliveries, including two fours, and partnered Abdullah Shafique for a 47-run stand for the second wicket. Abdullah scored 29 off 33 balls with two fours and a six.

Rizwan’s innings was vital. His 53 off 69 balls, featuring four boundaries, marked his 17th ODI half-century. He occupied the crease for more than 25 overs before being trapped leg-before by Shamar Joseph in the 38th over.

West Indies Bowling Effort

For the hosts, Shamar Joseph was the standout bowler, taking 2-65. Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales claimed one wicket each. Despite early breakthroughs, they could not prevent Pakistan’s lower middle-order fightback.

Pakistan’s Bowling Brilliance

Earlier, West Indies looked set for a bigger total after reaching 200-4 in the 42nd over. But Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, triggered a collapse. The hosts lost their last six wickets for just 80 runs, folding for 280 in the 49th over.

Shaheen finished with figures of 4-51 from his eight overs. Naseem claimed 3-55, including two brilliant consecutive yorkers to dismiss the final two batters. Their combined effort of 7-106 dismantled the West Indies lower order.

Key West Indies Contributions

West Indies’ innings featured three half-centuries. Opener Evin Lewis top-scored with 60 off 62 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. Captain Shai Hope scored 55 from 77 deliveries, while Roston Chase made 53 off 54 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.

Keacy Carty chipped in with 30 from 39 balls. Late in the innings, Gudakesh Motie provided fireworks, smashing 31 off 18 balls with three fours and two sixes.

After Shaheen’s early breakthrough, Lewis and Carty steadied the innings with a 77-run stand. The second notable partnership came between Chase and Hope, adding 64 runs for the fifth wicket.

Spin Support for Pakistan

Alongside the pace attack, Pakistan’s spinners played a steady role. Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim bowled their full quotas. Each picked up a wicket, and together they returned figures of 3-144.

Their ability to contain runs in the middle overs helped set the stage for the pacers to finish the job.

Series Outlook

This win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The team had earlier claimed the T20I series 2-1. With form and momentum on their side, they will aim to secure the series in the second ODI, also scheduled in Trinidad on August 10.