KARACHI: Pakistan displayed a phenomenal performance on Monday as they defeated West Indies by 63 runs in the first fixture of the three-match T20I series at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Windies won the toss and put the hosts to bat first, however, Green Shirts were able to put up a massive 200-6 total on the board despite losing early and intermittent wickets.
Pakistani bowlers were able to pick up quick wickets, with Shadab Khan taking three, Haris Rauf one, Mohammad Wasim four, Mohammad Nawaz one, and Shaheen Shah Afridi one.
Shai Hope (31) scored the most for the Windies, followed by Rovman Powell, who was able to contribute 23 runs to the West Indies total of 137-10.
Pakistan handed a 201-run target to West Indies in the first T20I match at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Pakistan were able to put up a massive 200-run total on the board despite losing early and intermittent wickets after the Windies' skipper Nicholas Pooran won the toss and put the Green Shirts to bat.
Skipper Babar Azam was sent packing in the first over for a golden duck, Fakahar Zaman (10) was dismissed in the fifth over, as West Indies piled pressure on the Green Shirts.
However, Mohammad Rizwan helped Pakistan fight back as he built up a partnership with young Haider Ali (68). Both the batters made crucial half-tons — just when the team needed it.
In the 15th over, Rizwan was dismissed for an impressive 78, which he socred with the help of 10 fours. Ali was sent back to the pavilion in the last over, but he did the work which was required of him.
Mohammad Nawaz also performed well for his side as he scored 30 off just 10 balls, which included three 4s and two 6s.
The West Indies, hit by positive COVID tests in three of their T20 players, brought Devon Thomas and Shamarh Brooks from the ODI squad as replacements.
Pakistan are playing three seamers and two frontline spinners.
The remaining T20I matches are on Tuesday and Thursday, also in Karachi.
Teams:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
West Indies: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope, Brendon King, Shamarh Brooks, Rovman Powell, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Dominic Drakes, Oshane Thomas, Devon Thomas
Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK) and Ahsan Raza (PAK)
TV umpire: Asif Yaqoob (PAK)
Match referee: Mohammad Javed
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