Pakistan ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan credited debutant Hassan Nawaz and all-rounder Hussain Talat for their unbeaten 104-run partnership that secured a five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the series opener at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Speaking after the match, Rizwan said: “Hasan Nawaz and Talat deserve all the credit. The conditions weren’t easy, but to have that partnership coming in at seven, I want to give a lot of credit to Hussain Talat.”
The skipper also highlighted bowling improvements needed, noting that the ball gripped early but too many runs were conceded late in the innings.
How the match unfolded
Chasing 281, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub for five, but Abdullah Shafique (29) and Babar Azam (47) rebuilt the innings. Rizwan added 55 with Babar before scoring his 16th ODI fifty, eventually falling for 53. At 180-5, Hassan Nawaz (63*) and Talat (41*) guided Pakistan home in 48.5 overs.
Earlier, the West Indies made 280, led by Evin Lewis (60), Shai Hope (55), and Roston Chase (53), with Gudakesh Motie adding a quick 31. Shaheen Afridi claimed 4-51, Naseem Shah took 3-55, and three other bowlers chipped in with a wicket each.
Pakistan now lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second ODI on Sunday.
