WI vs PAK 1st T20I: Sam Ayub stars as Pakistan hands West Indies 8th straight loss at home

Pakistan started their T20I series against West Indies with a 14-run victory, extending the hosts’ losing streak to eight consecutive matches across formats at home. After a 3-0 Test series whitewash and a 5-0 T20I drubbing by Australia, West Indies’ woes continued, now trailing 0-1 in the three-match series against Pakistan.

Sam Ayub’s all-round brilliance

Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan posted 178/6 in 20 overs. Opener Sam Ayub played a match-winning knock of 57 runs off 38 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes) and later picked up two wickets, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Pakistan’s innings started on a shaky note, losing Sahibzada Farhan for 14 early. However, Sam Ayub and Fakhar Zaman stitched together an 81-run partnership in just 51 balls. Fakhar contributed 28 runs. Lower down the order, Hasan Nawaz added 24 off 18 to help Pakistan reach a competitive total.

From the West Indies’ bowling unit, Shemar Joseph impressed with 3 wickets for 30 runs, while Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Shepherd claimed one wicket each.

West Indies crumble after solid opening

Chasing 179, West Indies got off to a steady start, with openers Johnson Charles and Jewel Andrew both scoring 35. They shared a 72-run partnership, but once the pair was dismissed, the middle order collapsed dramatically, losing 6 wickets for just 38 runs.

Holder’s blitz went in vain

Jason Holder launched a late counterattack, scoring 30 off just 12 balls* (4 sixes), supported by Shemar Joseph’s 21 off 12*. Despite their best efforts, West Indies finished at 164/7, falling short by 14 runs.

Pakistan’s bowling seals the deal

All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 23 runs in his 4-over spell. Sam Ayub chipped in with 2 wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Shaheen Afridi bagged one wicket each.