Pakistan started their three-match ODI series against West Indies in Tarouba, Trinidad, with an impressive five-wicket victory in the first match on Friday. Batting first, West Indies posted a competitive total of 280 runs in 49 overs. Their innings was built on solid contributions from captain Shai Hope, who played with composure, Evin Lewis, who provided a brisk start, and Roston Chase, whose middle-order stability ensured the team crossed the 250-mark. Pakistan’s bowlers, however, kept things under control, with disciplined spells from both the pacers and spinners preventing West Indies from running away with the game. Chasing 281 for victory, Pakistan began steadily, with the top order laying a decent platform. The turning point came when wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan anchored the innings with a well-paced 53 off 69 balls. Despite losing a couple of wickets in the middle overs, Pakistan remained composed. The highlight of the chase was the unbeaten 104-run partnership between Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat. Hasan, playing with maturity beyond his years, scored a fluent 63 not out, while Talat provided strong support with an unbeaten 41. Together, they guided Pakistan to 284/5 in 48.5 overs, securing the win with seven balls to spare. The victory gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series and boosted their confidence ahead of the remaining matches. West Indies, although defeated, showed glimpses of strong batting form and will aim to bounce back in the second ODI. The contest promises more exciting cricket as both teams look to assert dominance in the series.
