Pakistan Secures T20I Series Victory Against West Indies

LAUDERHILL: Following a 13-run triumph over the West Indies in the final T20I, Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Salman Ali Agha, attributed the series win to a cohesive team effort. The victory, achieved at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, resulted in a 2-1 series scoreline in Pakistan’s favor.

During the post-match press briefing, Salman conveyed his satisfaction with the team’s unified performance throughout the series.

Agha stated, “I am always smiling. It was a complete team performance; we demonstrated excellence throughout the series. Our focus remains on continuous improvement and progression.”

Highlighting the team’s approach, the all-rounder emphasized that consistent progress is more valuable than mere match outcomes.

He added, “Regardless of wins or losses, our priority is to keep improving. The pitch presented unique challenges, but our spinners performed exceptionally well, particularly Sufiyan Muqeem, who played a crucial role in bringing us back into the game today.”

He concluded by restating the team’s dedication to growth and their faith in their capabilities, saying, “We are committed to continuous improvement and adhering to our strategies. We possess the talent needed to secure numerous victories.”

Match Highlights

Pakistan’s innings began strongly after winning the toss and opting to bat, with openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan establishing a firm base.

The opening pair propelled their team to 47 runs without loss by the end of the powerplay, maintaining their aggressive approach.

Farhan achieved his third T20I half-century in the 11th over, boosting the score to 88-0. Ayub soon followed with his own half-century, also his third in T20Is, as Pakistan reached 108-0 in the 13th over.

The formidable 138-run opening partnership was broken in the 17th over when Shamar Joseph dismissed Farhan for a well-played 74 off 53 deliveries, which included three fours and five sixes.

Pakistan experienced a slight setback with the run-out of Mohammad Haris (2) and Jason Holder’s dismissal of Ayub (66 off 49), leaving them at 170-4.

However, a rapid scoring burst from Khushdil Shah (11* off 6) and Faheem Ashraf (10* off 3) helped Pakistan reach a competitive total of 189-4.

In response, the West Indies started aggressively, scoring 16 runs in the first over and reaching 33-0 after two overs. Jewel Andrew (24 off 15) and Alick Athanaze provided a solid start before Haris Rauf dismissed Andrew in the fifth over.

Athanaze continued his dominant performance, achieving his first T20I half-century in just 31 balls. Together with captain Shai Hope, they advanced the score to 98-2 by the 11th over.

Mohammad Nawaz then dismissed Hope, and Saim Ayub delivered a critical blow by removing Athanaze for an impressive 60 off 40 balls, reducing the hosts to 110-3.

Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase attempted to stabilize the innings, but a double setback shifted the momentum. Chase retired out, and Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed Holder for a duck, leaving the West Indies struggling at 149-5 in the 18th over.

Despite Rutherford’s valiant fifty (51 off 35), the West Indies fell short, ending their innings at 176-6, thereby handing Pakistan a 13-run victory and the series.