Pakistan secure 5-wicket victory over West Indies

Pakistan opened their three-match ODI series with a confident five-wicket victory over the West Indies at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Friday night, with debutant Hasan Nawaz producing a match-winning performance.

Batting first, the West Indies made 280 in 49.4 overs. Evin Lewis (60) and Shai Hope (55) set a strong foundation, while Roston Chase added 53. Pakistan’s pacers took control in the latter stages, with Shaheen Afridi claiming 4 for 51 and Naseem Shah taking 3 for 55.

In reply, Pakistan stayed in control of the chase from the start. Babar Azam scored 47 off 64 balls, missing his fifty by a narrow margin, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed a steady 53. The spotlight, however, belonged to 20-year-old Hasan Nawaz, whose unbeaten 63 — laced with three sixes and five fours — sealed the win with 7 balls to spare as Pakistan finished on 284 for 5 in 42.5 overs.

The second ODI will be played at the same venue on 10 August, with Pakistan looking to wrap up the series.