LAUDERHILL: A disciplined bowling and composed batting helped Pakistan seal a thrilling 2-1 series win over West Indies with a 13-run victory in the third and final T20I at Central Broward Park, Lauderhill in USA.
Batting first, Pakistan posted an impressive total of 189/4 in their 20 overs. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub set the tone early, putting together a solid opening partnership.
Farhan smashed 74 off 53 deliveries, while Ayub added 66 off 49, combining patience with power to frustrate the West Indian bowlers.
Late-order hitters Hasan Nawaz (15 off 7), Khushdil Shah (11 off 6), and Faheem Ashraf (10 off 3) gave the innings a late boost, pushing the total close to 190.
In reply, West Indies got off to a decent start but struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Alick Athanaze led the chase with a confident 60 off 40 balls, and Sherfane Rutherford contributed 51 off 35, but the rest of the lineup failed to fire at key moments.
Pakistan’s bowlers kept their cool under pressure. Sufiyan Muqeem stood out with economical figures of 1/20 in 4 overs, while Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Nawaz each chipped in with a wicket.
West Indies finished at 176/6, falling 13 runs short of the target. Despite late efforts from Gudakesh Motie (10* off 4), the hosts couldn’t pull off the win.
Pakistan had made two changes for today’s game. Khushdil Shah came in the side in place of Fakhar Zaman who has been ruled out after sustaining a left hamstring strain during the second T20I.
Haris Rauf, who had missed the second T20I has replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi. West Indies have made no change in the squad that played the second T20I.
President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated the Pakistan cricket team on winning the T20 series against West Indies.
The president, in a statement, lauded the national team’s determination, hard work, and teamwork.
“Pakistani players have won hearts with their outstanding performance. This victory is the result of the national team’s hard work,” he remarked.
The president expressed the hope that the national team would continue to achieve successes in the future too.
Squads:
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem
West Indies: Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c), Alick Athanaze, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jewel Andrew (wk)
