Mohammad Nawaz Inspires Pakistan to Dramatic T20 Victory Over West Indies in Florida
Pakistan opened their T20 series against the West Indies with a thrilling 14-run win in Lauderhill, Florida, on Thursday, 31 July 2025. The match was defined by a game-changing over from left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, whose three wickets in four balls turned the contest on its head and set the tone for the remainder of the series.
Saim Ayub’s Composed Half-Century Sets Competitive Target
Sent in to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 178 for six, a score built around a mature 57 from 38 balls by Saim Ayub. Ayub’s innings was pivotal on a pitch described as challenging, with the young opener showing composure to anchor the innings and build crucial partnerships. His efforts ultimately earned him the player of the match award, not only for his batting but also for contributing two wickets with the ball in a tight spell that helped stifle the West Indies’ chase.
Score summary: Pakistan 178/6 (20 overs), Saim Ayub 57 (38) [1][4].
Mohammad Nawaz’s Three-Wicket Over Turns the Match
The West Indies began their chase steadily, with openers Johnson Charles and debutant Jewel Andrew putting on a 72-run partnership. However, the match swung dramatically in the 12th over when Nawaz, having conceded 20 runs from his first three overs, dismissed Andrew for 35, Charles for 35, and Gudakesh Motie for a duck—all in the space of four balls. This collapse saw the West Indies lose four wickets for just five runs, derailing their pursuit of the 179-run target.
Nawaz’s spell was the decisive moment, with his figures reading 3 wickets in a single over, and he was ably supported by Ayub, who removed West Indies captain Shai Hope shortly after [1].
West Indies Hampered by Injuries and Squad Changes
The West Indies entered the series with a reshuffled squad due to injuries and workload management. Key pacer Alzarri Joseph was rested following a busy summer, while Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, and Brandon King were all ruled out with injuries sustained during their recent series against Australia. Their absence forced the inclusion of several less experienced players, including 18-year-old Jewel Andrew, who impressed on debut despite the team’s defeat [3].
Series Outlook: Pakistan Take Early Lead, West Indies Seek Response
With this victory, Pakistan have taken a 1-0 lead in the multi-match T20 series, all being played at the Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill. The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday, 2 August 2025, with both teams looking to build momentum ahead of the upcoming ODI leg of the tour [2][5].
British Perspective: What This Means for Cricket Fans
While the series is being played in the United States, it has drawn significant interest from British cricket followers, particularly given the West Indies’ recent tour of the UK and the ongoing debate about the globalisation of the sport. The match also highlights the growing impact of emerging players like Saim Ayub and the enduring value of experienced campaigners such as Mohammad Nawaz. For fans in Britain, the contest serves as a reminder of the unpredictable drama and tactical nuance that T20 cricket continues to offer on the world stage.
Sources :
[1] https://www.arabnews.com/node/2610229/pakistan
[2] https://www.windiescricket.com/series/pakistan-in-united-states-and-west-indies-2025-21032/
[3] https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/injury-setbacks-shape-west-indies-t20i-squad-to-face-pakistan
[4] https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-west-indies-2025-1472507/pakistan-vs-west-indies-1st-t20i-1472525/live-cricket-score
[5] https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-west-indies-2025-1472507/pakistan-vs-west-indies-2nd-t20i-1472526/live-cricket-score
Information : This article was made by compiling with AI several sources available on the Internet, which the aim is to get both contrasted and comprehensive information.
