Pakistan defeated the West Indies thanks to a fine bowling display from Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, followed by brilliant batting from debutant Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat, who returned to ODIs after more than six years.
With 28 needed from 19 balls, Hasan Nawaz attempted to slice a slower delivery outside off stump but mistimed it straight to Gudakesh Motie. The ball slipped through the fielder’s hands, leaving bowler Jayden Seales in disbelief, kneeling down in frustration. That dropped catch ended West Indies’ final hopes.
Instead of being dismissed, Nawaz picked up a single to complete his half-century on debut. A little later, he guided Pakistan to victory and collected the Player of the Match award, his face glowing with a smile. Pakistan’s five-wicket win in the first ODI gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Nawaz’s partner in the match-winning stand was Hussain Talat, playing his first ODI since his debut in early 2019. Together, the pair put on an unbroken 104-run partnership in just 70 balls to seal the chase under pressure.
Earlier in Trinidad’s day-night match, West Indies posted 280, with fifties from Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, and Roston Chase. Pakistan’s pace spearheads Afridi (4 wickets) and Naseem (3 wickets) were instrumental in keeping the total in check.
Chasing the target, Pakistan lost openers Saim Ayub (5) and Abdullah Shafique (29) early. Babar Azam (47) and captain Mohammad Rizwan (53) steadied the innings with a 55-run stand but fell before the finish.
That’s when Nawaz (63* off 54) and Talat (37* off 37) took charge. Nawaz’s innings featured 5 fours and 3 sixes, while Talat hit 4 boundaries, including crucial blows late in the match.
West Indies couldn’t recover after missed chances and struggled with a wet ball due to dew. Nawaz, given a life earlier on 18, made them pay. Needing 27 off the last 18 balls, Talat smashed a six and a four off successive deliveries from Jediah Blades, before Nawaz finished the match in style with a six and four off Shamar Joseph.
With this innings, Hasan Nawaz became the 11th Pakistani cricketer to win the Player of the Match award on ODI debut. The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
