It was the kind of T20 match that keeps fans glued till the final ball — early stumbles, drama in the middle, and a nervy finish. In the end, it was the West Indies who held their nerve, edging past Pakistan by two wickets in the second T20I at Lauderhill, Florida. With this win, they’ve levelled the three-match series 1–1, setting up a mouthwatering decider.
Pakistan’s Batting — Bright Sparks, But No Fireworks
Opting to bat first, Pakistan once again struggled to get a solid start. The top order failed to build any momentum, and early wickets kept them under pressure right from the get-go.
Salman Ali Agha played a gritty hand with 38 off 33 balls, doing his best to stabilise the innings. Later, Hasan Nawaz stepped up and injected some much-needed energy with a fiery 40 off just 23 — but apart from these two, the batting lineup failed to click.
Jason Holder was once again the game-changer. His spell of 4 for 19 broke Pakistan’s back at crucial moments. Combined with Gudakesh Motie’s smart two-wicket burst, the West Indies restricted Pakistan to just 133 for 9 — a total that always felt 15-20 runs short on a ground where 160+ is generally considered a par score.
West Indies’ Chase — Panic Avoided, Just About
A chase of 134 shouldn’t have been this tense. But Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Mohammad Nawaz, had other ideas. His left-arm spin was clinical — 3 for 14 in four overs — and it put West Indies in real trouble at 98 for 6.
Suddenly, Pakistan had a real shot at defending a below-par total.
But credit to the West Indies’ lower order. Shamar Joseph and Romario Shepherd stayed calm under pressure. They didn’t go for glory shots; they just focused on rotating the strike and punishing the loose deliveries. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective.
When Jason Holder struck a boundary off the last ball to seal the win, the West Indies dugout erupted — not in wild celebration, but in visible relief.
Jason Holder — Calm Under Pressure, Leading by Example
After the match, Jason Holder’s calm reaction said everything about how much this win meant for West Indies. It wasn’t a flawless performance, but the fight and composure his team showed under pressure made all the difference.
Holder’s all-round contribution — especially his four wickets and that last-ball boundary — proved why his experience is so valuable. With so many younger players in the squad, his leadership is clearly making an impact.
Why This Win Means More Than Just a Scoreline
For the West Indies, this wasn’t just about levelling a series. They’ve been under the scanner after a rough T20 run, and another loss would’ve only increased the pressure. This win gives them a breather and belief.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will feel like they let it slip. The bowlers did their part, but the batters didn’t back them up. This has been a recurring theme — and it’s something the team management must address before the decision.
Decider Incoming
With the series tied 1–1, all eyes now shift to the final T20I. Both sides have shown they can scrap and survive under pressure. Now it’s about who brings their A-game when it matters most.
Can Pakistan’s bowlers pull off another rescue act? Or will the West Indies ride the wave of momentum and finish strong?
One thing’s for sure — Lauderhill is set for a cracking finale.
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