PAK vs WI | 1st ODI | Babar's ton, Khushdil's late blitz pins down West Indies

The Multan crowd witnessed a last-over finish as Pakistan eased past the 305-run total, with the duo of Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah combining to take the side home in the first ODI of the ongoing series against the West Indies.

While Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman early, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar ensured a 103-run stand to set the tone for the run-chase. Akeal Hosein gave Pakistan's innings another dent in the form of Imam's dismissal. However, Azam ran riot and brought his ODI tons tally to 17 with the help of his 103-run knock.

Mohammad Rizwan was at his fluent best, making things easy for the Pakistan skipper, who was batting like a dream. In another 100-plus run-partnership for the hosts, Babar was involved and found an able support in the form of Rizwan.

The pace batteries of West Indies- Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd- joined forces to send dangerous Babar and Rizwan packing. Pakistan but by then had scored 256 runs for the loss of four wickets.

The tourists had staged a comeback, but Khushdil spilt water on the West Indies winning chances, smacking as many as four sixes to send the spectators into a frenzy. The finisher nailed down his role to perfection, hammering 41 runs in 23 deliveries to help Pakistan win the ODI by five wickets.

Earlier, West Indies opted to bat after winning the toss. Kyle Mayers departed early, but Shai Hope and Shamarh Brooks stood tall and handed their side a 154-run partnership for the second wicket.

While Hope carried on his excellent form from the Netherlands series, scoring 127 runs in Multan, Brooks's innings that dismantled a formidable-looking Pakistan pace unit were a testament to his talent.

Windies lost wickets in clusters. Still, Rovman Powell and Shepherd led their way in the final overs, eventually helping the side in posting a total of 305 runs on the scoreboard.

Brief scores:

West Indies - 305/8 (50)

Shai Hope 127(134), Shamarh Brooks 70(83);

Haris Rauf 4-77 (10), Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-55 (10)

Pakistan - 306/5 (49.2)

Babar Azam 103(107), Imam-ul-Haq 65(71);

Alzarri Joseph 2-55 (10), Akeal Hosein 1-50 (10)

Pakistan won by five wickets.