Tarouba, August 8, 2025 – Debutant Hasan Nawaz and skipper Mohammad Rizwan starred as Pakistan sealed a five-wicket win over the West Indies in the first ODI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing 281, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub early but Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam steadied the innings. The home side fought back through pacers Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, while Gudakesh Motie’s tight spell removed Babar. Rizwan’s composed 53 kept the chase alive before his dismissal at 180/5 swung momentum back to the West Indies.
Enter Hasan Nawaz. On debut, the 20-year-old showed remarkable composure, partnering Hussain Talat in an unbeaten 104-run stand. They blunted Roston Chase’s accuracy, punished loose deliveries from the pacers, and crossed the line with an over and a ball to spare. Nawaz finished with a fluent half-century, Talat added a brisk 41.
Earlier, Rizwan’s decision to field first paid off as Shaheen Afridi struck in the opening over. Keacy Carty and Evin Lewis rebuilt before Pakistan’s spinners made inroads. Skipper Shai Hope and Roston Chase hit fifties to lift the total, but late strikes from Shaheen and Naseem Shah held the West Indies to 280.
Player of the Match Nawaz called the debut “a blessing” and credited a clear game plan. Hope admitted his side fell short with the bat but praised the bowlers’ fight. The second ODI promises fireworks as the hosts aim to level the series.