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Saim Ayub’s All-Round Show Initiates Pakistan’s Dominance In 1st T20I Vs WI

Soumyajit Dutta

Saim Ayub [Source: @BDCricTime/X.com]Saim Ayub [Source: @BDCricTime/X.com]

Saim Ayub’s fluent half-century and Mohammad Nawaz’s three-wicket haul guided Pakistan to a hard-fought 14-run victory over West Indies in the first T20I in Lauderhill. The win extended the Caribbean side’s losing streak to six matches in the format, while Ayub’s all-round performance both with the bat and the ball earned him Player of the Match honours. With the match packing all-round excitement, let’s take a look at how it panned out:

Ayub’s Batting Masterclass Lifts Pakistan

After being put in to bat first, Pakistan relied heavily on the 23-year-old opener, who anchored the innings with a composed 57 off 38 balls. Ayub’s knock, laced with five fours and two sixes, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s competitive 178/6. He stitched together an 81-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman (28 off 24) after the early loss of Sahibzada Farhan (14).

Despite a middle-order wobble, late cameos from Hasan Nawaz (24 off 18) and Faheem Ashraf (16 off 9) ensured Pakistan finished strongly. Shamar Joseph (3/30) was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, but Ayub’s dominance in the powerplay set the tone.

Nawaz’s Spin & Ayub's Spell Derails Windies Chase

West Indies’ reply began promisingly, with Johnson Charles (35 off 36) and debutant Jewel Andrew (35 off 33) adding 72 for the first wicket. However, Mohammad Nawaz’s triple-strike in the 12th over, removing Charles, Andrew, and Gudakesh Motie (0), turned the game on its head.

However, the surprise was yet to come. Saim Ayub then contributed with the ball, dismissing Shai Hope (2) and Sherfane Rutherford (11) to dent the chase further. Jason Holder’s late blitz (30* off 12) provided late drama, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling, led by Nawaz (3/23) and Ayub (2/20), ensured a 14-run win in the first match between the Caribbean Giants and the Men in Green.