Hasan Nawaz guides Pakistan to five-wicket win over West Indies

Hasan Nawaz struck an unbeaten 63 to steer Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over West Indies in the opening one-day international on Friday.

Chasing 281, Pakistan reached 284-5 with seven balls remaining at Brian Lara Stadium, with Nawaz sealing the win with a six and a boundary in the penultimate over. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan contributed 53 runs, as the tourists built on their recent 2-1 Twenty20 series win in Florida.

“The spinners were great early on, but the dew made batting easier later,” said Nawaz, who was named player of the match.

Earlier, half-centuries from Evin Lewis, captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase powered the hosts to 280 after being sent in to bat. Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed 4-51 while Naseem Shah took 3-55 for Pakistan.

Hope admitted conditions and the toss played a key role. “We maybe could’ve scored more in the middle overs. Credit to our bowlers for fighting at the end,” he said.

The second ODI will be played on Sunday, with the third and final match scheduled for Tuesday, both at the same venue.

Source: Agency