Hasan Nawaz Shines on ODI Debut as Pakistan Defeat West Indies by Five Wickets
In a riveting opener to their three-match ODI series, Pakistan secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies, powered by a match-winning debut from Hasan Nawaz. The Day-Night encounter at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad saw the visitors chase down 281 with seven balls to spare—a test of both skill and composure under pressure.
West Indies Set a Competitive Total
Hasan Nawaz had a memorable ODI debut, scoring an unbeaten fifty to guide Pakistan to a dominant victory over the West Indies at the latter’s backyard pic.twitter.com/0vFOClmRNY
— Alam Zeb Safi (@alamzeb19) August 9, 2025
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan struck early through Shaheen Shah Afridi, who uprooted Brandon King with his very first delivery—a sign of intent from the bowlers Despite this early blow, the hosts rallied thanks to vital contributions from Evin Lewis (60 off 62), captain Shai Hope (55), and Roston Chase (53).Spin soon came into play as the match progressed. Shaheen Afridi’s cunning variations and Naseem Shah’s pace proved pivotal—Afridi finished with figures of 4 for 51, while Naseem added 3 for 55 DawnESPN Cricinfo. With the West Indies bowled out for 280, Pakistan had a solid yet challenging target on their hands.
Pakistan’s Chase
Pakistan’s reply started on shaky ground. Openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique failed to lay a foundation, forcing Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam to build the innings. Rizwan contributed 53 before falling lbw to Shamar Joseph in the 38th over, leaving Pakistan still significantly behind at around 180 for four—still 101 runs shy of the target,
As the required run rate climbed, tensions crept in. But the introduction of Hasan Nawaz, making his ODI debut, and experienced all-rounder Hussain Talat turned the tide decisively.
Debut Day Magic from Hasan Nawaz
Displaying remarkable poise under pressure, Hasan Nawaz and Talat stitched together a crucial unbeaten 104-run partnership for the sixth wicket . Nawaz’s innings was a blend of control and aggression—as he reached 63* off 54 balls featuring five fours and three sixes. He smashed a six in the penultimate over and sealed victory with a boundary off the final ball from Joseph, finishing the chase with seven balls to spare. Talat, for his part, remained unbeaten on 41 from 37 deliveries, adding the vital support that allowed Nawaz to flourish .
“It was easier once the dew came in,” Nawaz reflected post-match, crediting the lighter conditions for aiding the chase AP NewsRediff.
Final Word: Pakistan Takes the Lead
This win gives Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the ODI series. Their spinners laid the platform by restricting West Indies to 280, and Nawaz’s calm finish under pressure scripted a memorable debut.
The West Indies dug deep with their spinners early on, but ultimately, Pakistan’s depth and composure proved decisive. Shai Hope acknowledged the efforts of his bowlers but admitted, “We needed more in the middle overs” Rediff.
Pakistan’s promising future was on full display—captain Mohammad Rizwan’s 53, Nawaz’s debut brilliance, and tight death bowling all combined to deliver a memorable triumph.
Series Outlook
All eyes now turn to the remaining two matches, scheduled at the same venue—second ODI on Sunday and the final on Tuesday DawnWikipedia. If Nawaz’s debut is any indication, Pakistan’s batting depth has received a morale shot in the arm.
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Brief Recap:
West Indies scored 280, led by Lewis (60), Hope (55), and Chase (53); Pakistan’s bowlers fought back with Afridi (4/51) and Naseem (3/55).
Pakistan’s chase started with early setbacks, but Rizwan (53) and Babar Azam steadied before Nawaz and Talat sealed the win with a 104* stand.
Hasan Nawaz: 63* off 54 balls, debut performance and key to the chase.
Series: Pakistan takes 1–0 lead; next ODI on Sunday.
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