WI vs PAK: Ayub’s all-round show helps Pakistan go 1-0 up in T20 series

Overview

• Pakistan defeated West Indies in the 1st T20I by 14 runs
• Saim Ayub bagged the Player of the Match award
• Ayb scored 57 (38) along with two wickets with the ball

Pakistan began the three-match T20I series in the West Indies with a win, defeating the hosts by 14 runs in the first T20I in Lauderhill. Saim Ayub was the star of the match, delivering an all-round performance that helped the Men in Green outshine the home side.

After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 178/6 in their 20 overs. Opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed early for just 14, but Ayub at the other end played his shots with confidence. He and Fakhar Zaman added an 81-run partnership for the second wicket, taking Pakistan to 107/2 in 11.5 overs before Ayub was dismissed for a well-made 57 off 38 balls. Zaman chipped in with 28 off 24, while Hasan Nawaz (24 off 18), skipper Agha Salman (11 off 10), and Faheem Ashraf (15 off 9) also contributed to push the visitors to a competitive total. For the West Indies, Shamar Joseph was the standout bowler, picking up 4 wickets for 30 runs.

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In reply, the hosts had a slow start and managed 72 runs for the first wicket in 11.1 overs. However, in the same over, Mohammad Nawaz struck thrice—removing Johnson Charles (35), Jewel Andrew (35), and Gudakesh Motie (golden duck). That sudden collapse reduced the Windies to 75/3, and they never quite recovered. No major partnerships followed, although Jason Holder played an explosive, unbeaten cameo of 30 off just 12 balls, striking at 250. The West Indies eventually finished on 164/7 in their 20 overs.

For Pakistan, Nawaz took three key wickets, while Ayub picked up two. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem claimed one wicket each.

"We have to adapt according to the conditions" - Ayub

Ayub was named Player of the Match for his all-round showing. Speaking during the post-match presentation, he said it was a challenging surface but praised his team’s adaptability.

“First of all, it was a challenging pitch to bat on but our mindset was to build partnerships and not panic. We planned a lot but we're also flexible with our plans--we have to adapt according to the conditions and adjust our strategy accordingly. It's about staying in the present moment and knowing what to apply. We can't call it difficult but yes, it was challenging,” he said.

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With this win, Pakistan now lead the series 1-0. The second match is scheduled to take place on August 2 in Lauderhill.