Pakistan secured a thrilling 13-run victory over the West Indies to clinch the T20 International Series 2-1 in Lauderhill, Florida. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan’s opening pair, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, delivered a dominant performance, putting up a 138-run partnership that set the tone for the match. Farhan was in fine form, smashing 74 off 53 balls, which included five sixes and three boundaries. Ayub supported well with a composed 66 off 49 balls, hitting two sixes and four fours.
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The momentum shifted slightly when Farhan was caught by West Indies captain Shai Hope off a Shamar Joseph delivery in the 17th over. Hasan Nawaz came in but was dismissed for 15 runs, caught at long off by Romario Shepherd off Roston Chase. Mohammad Haris was run out for just two runs, and Ayub’s impressive innings ended on the last ball of the 19th over, caught by Sherfane Rutherford. Despite the late wickets, Pakistan managed a strong total of 189 for four.
In response, West Indies came out aggressively, scoring 30 runs off the first 10 balls bowled by Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz. Jewel Andrew gave a quick start but was dismissed for 24, caught by Hasan Ali off Haris Rauf with the score at 44. The pressure mounted when Ayub dismissed Hope in the ninth over for seven, leaving the hosts still needing 116 runs.
Alick Athanaze played a steady hand for West Indies with a 60-run knock, but his dismissal by Ayub in the 13th over further dented their chase. The home side needed 80 off the final 42 balls, a steep task under the circumstances. Roston Chase tried to anchor the innings but was dismissed on the last ball of the 17th over. Jason Holder, the previous match’s hero, failed to replicate his performance and was bowled by Sufiyan Muqeem for a duck just two balls into his stay.
Rutherford fought valiantly, bringing up his half-century with a six, but his dismissal for 51 dashed the West Indies’ hopes of another dramatic last-over finish. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and fielding in the final overs sealed a well-earned victory.
Following the win, President Asif Ali Zardari praised the national team’s performance. He commended the players for their determination, unity, and display of top-tier cricket. “Pakistani players won hearts by playing their best game,” he said. “Hopefully, the national team will continue to achieve successes in the future.” The victory not only marked a series win but also demonstrated the team’s growing confidence and resilience ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
