Hasan, Rizwan guide Pakistan to five-wicket win over West Indies in First ODI at Trinidad

Pakistan made a strong start to their three-match ODI series against West Indies with a confident five-wicket win at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

Batting second, Pakistan chased down the 281-run target in 48.5 overs. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and debutant Hasan Nawaz were the stars with the bat. Rizwan scored a solid half-century, while Nawaz marked his debut with a brilliant unbeaten 63. Hussain Talat also played a key role with an unbeaten 41.

Earlier, West Indies posted 280 runs before being bowled out in the 49th over. Evin Lewis hit 60, captain Shai Hope scored 55, and Roston Chase added 53. Gudakesh Motie provided late hitting with 31 off 18 balls. Shaheen Afridi was Pakistan’s top bowler, taking 4 wickets for 51 runs, while Naseem Shah grabbed 3 for 55.

Pakistan’s chase started with an early blow when opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for 5 by Jayden Seales in the third over. Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam then added 47 runs for the second wicket. Shafique made 29 before falling, while Babar scored 47 before being stumped off Gudakesh Motie.

Salman Ali Agha contributed 23 before Rizwan and Nawaz built a steady partnership. Rizwan reached his 16th ODI fifty but was dismissed for 53 by Shamar Joseph. At 180-5, Pakistan were under slight pressure, but Nawaz and Talat’s unbeaten 101-run stand sealed the win.

After the match, Rizwan praised the lower order. “Hasan Nawaz and Talat deserve all the credit. The conditions weren’t easy,” he said. He also pointed out that Pakistan needed to improve their bowling in the final overs.

With this win, Pakistan now lead the series 1-0. The second ODI will be played on Sunday.