Pakistan Take a 1–0 Lead After a Tight Chase
Pakistan claimed a five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening ODI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, on August 8, 2025, and led the three-match series 1–0. Pakistan finished on 284 for 5 in 48.5 overs while West Indies were dismissed for 280.
West Indies Build a Solid Total, Then Lose Momentum
Sent in to bat, the West Indies looked comfortable at several stages. Evin Lewis provided the early impetus with 60, while Shai Hope’s steady 55 and Roston Chase’s 53 helped the hosts post a competitive total. At one stage, the scoreboard suggested a 300-plus target was possible, but Pakistan found a way back late in the innings.
Pakistan Bowlers Force the Turnaround
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah delivered the crucial breakthroughs. Shaheen finished with 4 for 51, breaking the heart of the West Indies middle order, and Naseem supported with 3 for 55 as the home side were kept to 280 — a competitive score, but arguably short of the pitch and conditions early batting had promised.
A Nervy Chase That Needed Composure
Pakistan’s reply had phases of control and periods of unease. Captain Mohammad Rizwan provided a measured 53, while Babar Azam made a useful contribution before being dismissed. Pakistan slipped to 180 for 5, and at that point the match was far from settled — the lower order would be asked to show temperament and application.
Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat Close With Calm Authority
When Hasan Nawaz walked in on debut, he carried none of the visible nerves that often accompany an international first. He combined patience with timely aggression, finishing 63 not out off 54 balls (including five fours and three sixes). Alongside Hussain Talat (41), Hasan put on an unbeaten 104-run sixth-wicket partnership to guide Pakistan home with seven balls to spare. His composed finish earned him Player of the Match on debut.
What This Result Means
This was a valuable opening win for Pakistan — it showcased depth in batting and some incisive fast bowling. For the West Indies, the innings contained notable individual scores but lacked the late acceleration they would have wanted. The series is still wide open, but Pakistan now have the psychological edge heading into the second ODI.
Looking Ahead
The second ODI is an opportunity for the West Indies to respond and for Pakistan to consolidate their lead. Beyond the series scoreline, the immediate story is Hasan Nawaz — a debut that suggests Pakistan’s selection panel may have unearthed a middle-order option who can handle pressure at the international level.
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