Saim and Nawaz Steer Pakistan to T20I Win

Pakistan opened their T20I series against the West Indies with a 14-run victory, thanks to a crucial all-round display by Saim Ayub and a game-changing over from spinner Mohammad Nawaz.

Put into bat, Pakistan built steadily after losing opener Sahibzada Farhan early. Saim Ayub led the charge with a stylish 57, combining with Fakhar Zaman for a productive 81-run partnership. Brief knocks from Hassan Nawaz and others kept the scoreboard ticking, while Mohammad Haris capped the innings with a six on the final ball, helping Pakistan post 178-7.

In response, the West Indies started confidently. Debutant Jewel Andrew and Johnson Charles added 72 runs before disaster struck in the 12th over. Mohammad Nawaz spun his way through the top order, taking three wickets in the space of six balls.

From 72-0, the West Indies collapsed to 75-3. Saim Ayub continued the pressure with a wicket in his first over, and later removed Rutherford to leave the home side five down. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Roston Chase, and Sufiyan Muqeem cleaned up Romario Shepherd.

Jason Holder fought back with a fiery 30 off 12 deliveries, supported by Shamar Joseph, but the required run rate proved too much. The hosts ended their innings at 164-7, falling to their sixth consecutive T20I defeat.

Nawaz returned figures of 3-23, while Saim grabbed 2-15, earning praise for his growing role as an all-rounder. Shamar Joseph was a bright spot for the West Indies, picking up three wickets on debut.