🇵🇰 Introduction: Pakistan Start ODI Series with Convincing Win
Pakistan began their three-match ODI series against the West Indies in style, clinching a 5-wicket victory in Brian Lara Cricket Ground. The spotlight belonged to Hasan Nawaz, who marked his ODI debut with a fluent 63 not out, guiding Pakistan to victory in the 49th over while chasing 281.
Veteran pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling attack with 4 wickets, supported by Naseem Shah’s 3-for. Despite valiant efforts from Evin Lewis (60), Shai Hope (55), and Roston Chase (53), West Indies couldn’t defend their total.
🛡️ Pakistan’s Bowling: Shaheen & Naseem Lead the Charge
After winning the toss, Mohammad Rizwan opted to bowl first, and Pakistan’s pace attack made early inroads:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Brandon King in the very first over and returned to remove key batsmen including Shai Hope and Romario Shepherd.
- Naseem Shah struck late, cleaning up the tail and finishing with 3/55.
- Saim Ayub and Agha Salman chipped in with one wicket each to keep the scoring in check.
The West Indies managed 280 in 49 overs, boosted by a late blitz from Gudakesh Motie, who smashed 31 off just 18 balls.
💥 West Indies Batting Highlights
West Indies’ innings was built on partnerships in the middle overs:
- Evin Lewis played a controlled innings of 60 (62) with 5 fours and 3 sixes.
- Shai Hope, the captain, anchored the innings with 55 (77).
- Roston Chase accelerated in the death overs, scoring 53 off 54 balls.
- Gudakesh Motie’s cameo at No. 8 lifted the total past 275.
However, the visitors lost wickets at crucial intervals, preventing them from posting a match-winning total.
🏆 Hasan Nawaz’s Dream Debut: Calm Under Pressure
Chasing 281, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub early, followed by Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam, but debutant Hasan Nawaz walked in with the score at 158/4 and took control:
- Scored 63 off 54 balls* with 5 fours and 3 sixes.
- Rotated the strike effectively, showing maturity beyond his years.
- Built a crucial unbeaten 104-run partnership with Hussain Talat (41)* to seal the win.
This innings is already being hailed as one of the best ODI debuts for Pakistan in recent memory.
📊 Pakistan’s Batting Card Highlights
- Mohammad Rizwan: 53 (69), anchoring the chase before falling LBW to Shamar Joseph.
- Babar Azam: 47 (64), steady but missed out on fifty.
- Hasan Nawaz: 63* (54), match-winner on debut.
- Hussain Talat: 41* (37), aggressive and supportive at the other end.
Pakistan reached 284/5 in 48.5 overs, winning comfortably with 7 balls to spare.
📅 Series Context & Next Match
This victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second ODI will be played on August 10, 2025, at the same venue, where West Indies will aim to bounce back and keep the series alive.
🧠 Final Thoughts: A Perfect Start for Pakistan
With Shaheen’s fiery spells and Hasan Nawaz’s fearless debut, Pakistan ticked almost every box in the series opener. West Indies showed flashes of brilliance but will need to tighten their bowling and fielding to trouble the hosts in the remaining matches.