Can Hasan Nawaz's Unbeaten 63 Propel Pakistan to Victory in ODI Opener Against West Indies?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Hasan Nawaz's impressive debut performance, scoring an unbeaten 63, led Pakistan to a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies in the first ODI. His partnership with Hussain Talat was crucial in chasing down 281 runs. Will this victory set the tone for the series?
Key Takeaways
- Hasan Nawaz made an impressive debut with an unbeaten 63.
- Pakistan successfully chased down 281 runs with seven balls to spare.
- The partnership of 104 runs between Nawaz and Talat was instrumental.
- West Indies set a total of 280 runs, with notable contributions from Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, and Roston Chase.
- Pakistan leads the series 1-0.
Trinidad, Aug 8 (NationPress) Fresh on the international scene, Hasan Nawaz showcased his talent with a stellar unbeaten 63, leading Pakistan to a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series. Nawaz’s pivotal innings featured a crucial 104-run partnership with Hussain Talat as the visitors successfully chased down 281 runs with just seven balls remaining.
Previously, the home team set a total of 280, bolstered by half-centuries from Evin Lewis (60), Shai Hope, and Roston Chase. The West Indies made a solid start, with Lewis and Keacy Carty scoring briskly at over six runs per over.
However, Pakistan’s spinners took control, tightening the run rate during the middle overs. Faheem Ashraf bowled an impressive 27 dot balls, forcing mistakes from the batsmen. Lewis was dismissed while trying to attack Saim Ayub, and Sherfane Rutherford struggled to find his rhythm.
Hope and Chase steadied the innings, but as Shaheen Shah Afridi (4/51) and Naseem Shah (3/55) discovered reverse swing, wickets fell rapidly. A late flourish from Gudakesh Motie, who scored 31 off 18 balls, helped the West Indies reach a competitive total.
Pakistan’s run chase started on a shaky note with Ayub being dismissed early on. Abdullah Shafique showed promise during his innings of 29, but a low bounce due to a sharp review from Shamar Joseph ended his stay. Captain Babar Azam (47) and Mohammad Rizwan (53) slowly rebuilt the innings, surviving a challenging phase with 16 dot balls that raised the required run rate above six. Just as they gained momentum, Motie dismissed Babar, followed by a quick exit for Salman Ali Agha. Rizwan reached his half-century but fell to Shamar with still 101 runs needed.
This left the debutant Nawaz and Talat, playing in just his second ODI, with the responsibility of securing the win. Nawaz began cautiously, scoring only 3 off 12 balls, and survived two dropped catches: Hope missed him early, and Motie let one slip when he was on 49. From that point, the duo shifted gears, finding boundaries and taking control of the match. Talat finished with an unbeaten 41 off 37 balls, ensuring Pakistan crossed the finish line in the 49th over.
This victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second ODI set for August 10.
Point of View
I see this match as a testament to Pakistan's emerging talent, particularly in the form of Hasan Nawaz. His performance not only highlights individual brilliance but also the potential of our team in international cricket. The series is poised for more exciting clashes, and we stand firmly behind our players.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the standout performer in the ODI match?
Debutant Hasan Nawaz was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 63 runs.
What was the total scored by the West Indies?
The West Indies posted a total of 280 runs.
When is the next ODI scheduled?
The next ODI is scheduled for August 10.
How many runs did Pakistan need to chase?
Pakistan needed to chase down 281 runs.
What was the partnership between Nawaz and Talat?
Nawaz and Talat formed a crucial partnership of 104 runs.
