Pakistan vs West Indies Archives

Hasan Nawaz reflects on memorable debut in first West Indies ODI

TAROUBA: Pakistan middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz expressed delight after making his debut match a memorable one, guiding his side to victory in the first ODI against the West Indies on Friday.

The 22-year-old scored an unbeaten 63 off 54 balls to steer Pakistan to a five-wicket win at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Speaking in a video message released by the PCB after the match, Hasan revealed he had set himself the goal of marking his debut with a match-winning performance.

“This was my debut match, and I had said to myself that I would make it memorable by becoming Player of the Match,” Hasan said.

“Rizwan told me before the game, ‘It’s your debut match, you have to finish it.’ Even when he was walking back after getting out, he reminded me again to finish the job.”

Hasan Nawaz credited his Pakistan Super League (PSL) experience for giving him the composure to see the game through.

“I was confident in my hitting, just like I’ve finished matches in the PSL. I’ve also played on challenging pitches in domestic cricket, so I believed I could do it here as well,” he said.

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The debutant also spoke about the conditions in Tarouba, noting that rain had made the surface tricky.

“Because of the rain, the ball was gripping, so I took some time. Hussain Talat and I planned that if we batted till the end, we could finish the match comfortably,” he stated.

“The plan was to build a partnership because both of us can hit big shots.”

Hasan also praised the influence of senior teammates.

“I learn a lot from Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha,” he said. “Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah bowled really well. We did have some fielding lapses, which West Indies took advantage of.”

Pakistan lead the three-match ODI series 1-0, with the second game scheduled for August 10 at the same venue.

READ: Debutant Hasan Nawaz sparks Pakistan to victory over West Indies

Mohammad Rizwan ‘confident’ of ODI series win against West Indies

TRINIDAD: Pakistan ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed confidence in his side’s preparations ahead of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting Friday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

In a video message shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rizwan stressed the importance of making a strong start, highlighting the blend of youth and experience in the squad.

“We are looking to put our best foot forward in the ODI format, and this away series in tough conditions promises to be a fine challenge for our young squad,” Rizwan said.

“We have some exciting players like Sufyan Moqim and Hassan Nawaz, who are eager to prove their mettle in 50-over cricket.”

He also acknowledged the difficulty of facing the West Indies on their own turf, but expressed faith in his team.

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“Playing West Indies in their backyard is never easy. With the help of the Almighty, we will look to express ourselves with both bat and ball to clinch the series,” Mohammad Rizwan said.

“They have some exciting players too, which will add to the competitiveness of the matches.”

The series opener will be a day-night fixture, starting at 2:00 pm local time (11:00 pm Pakistan time), while the remaining two games will be day matches, beginning at 9:30 am local time (6:30 am Pakistan time).

The Brian Lara Cricket Academy will be hosting only its second men’s ODI, the first being West Indies vs India in 2023.

Pakistan ODI squad for West Indies series

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

READ: PCB announces Haider Ali’s replacement in Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Top End T20 Series

Babar on verge of surpassing Kohli’s record in West Indies series

TRINIDAD: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam is on the verge of achieving two major milestones during the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, starting today here at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

The former captain has scored 19 centuries in ODI cricket, with the last one occurring in 2023 against Nepal.

He is only one century away from equalling the record for the most centuries in ODI cricket by a Pakistani batter, currently held by the legendary Saeed Anwar, who scored a total of 20 centuries.

Saeed scored 20 centuries during his illustrious career, which spanned 247 matches and 244 innings. Meanwhile, Babar has played 131 ODI matches so far.

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In the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, he has the opportunity to equal or even break Saeed’s record if he scores two centuries.

Most ODI Centuries for Pakistan

Saeed Anwar – 20 centuries in 247 matches
Babar Azam – 19* centuries in 131 matches
Mohammad Yousuf – 15 centuries in 281 matches
Fakhar Zaman – 11 centuries in 82 matches
Mohammad Hafeez – 11 centuries in 218 matches

Moreover, Babar Azam has the opportunity to become the second-fastest batsman in ODI history to score 20 centuries.

The record for the fastest to reach this milestone is held by South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who accomplished it in 108 innings.

He is followed by Indian batting legend Virat Kohli, who reached 20 centuries in 133 innings.

Currently, with 19 centuries in 128 innings, Babar stands a good chance of breaking Kohli’s record if he scores his 20th century within his next four innings.

Fastest Players to 20 ODI Centuries

Hashim Amla – 108 innings
Virat Kohli – 133 innings
AB de Villiers – 175 innings
Rohit Sharma – 183 innings

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Shahid Afridi comments on Babar Azam’s T20I exclusion

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has weighed in on the exclusion of Babar Azam from the national team’s T20I setup, questioning the logic behind dropping one of the team’s most consistent performers.

Speaking in a recent interview, Afridi was asked whether Babar and Mohammad Rizwan still deserve a place in the national side, especially with the Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup around the corner.

The 48-year-old responded by stressing the importance of consistency and strike rate in modern T20 cricket.

“I believe that, given the current situation I’m seeing, if we talk about strike rate, then the players should have an even better strike rate,” Shahid Afridi said.

He then expressed clear disappointment over Babar’s exclusion, highlighting how the former captain has repeatedly delivered under pressure and that his strike rate is comparable to the young players currently being tested.

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“Otherwise, Babar [Azam] is a consistent performer. He’s the kind of player that, when he steps onto the field, you expect him to score runs. He was playing with a similar strike rate, too, so we shouldn’t have dropped Babar him,” he stated.

Shahid Afridi maintained that backing young players is fine, but only if they offer something better.

“The players who are currently playing are fine, you’re giving new boys a chance. But they should be consistent and have a good strike rate,” he added.

It’s worth noting that both Babar and Rizwan have not featured in a T20I since December 2024.

Under the new setup led by head coach Mike Hesson, both have found themselves out of the selectors’ immediate plans.

READ: Former Australia wicket-keeper questions Jasprit Bumrah’s match-winning impact

Pakistan squad holds training session ahead of first West Indies ODI

TRINIDAD: Pakistan squad had an optional training session here on Wednesday as preparations got underway for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies.

The training session, held under the supervision of the coaching staff, saw players participate in net practice, with both bowlers and batters putting in nearly three hours of work.

In addition to skill-specific drills, players also took part in an extensive fielding session.

The squad is scheduled to resume full training on Thursday, with the session set to begin at 1:30 PM local time.

The 15-member Pakistan squad arrived in Trinidad on Tuesday ahead of the ODI leg of the West Indies tour.

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The three-match series begins on August 8 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago, with the remaining matches to be played at the same venue on August 10 and 12.

The ODI series also marks the return of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to international action.

The duo last featured for Pakistan in an ODI series against New Zealand in April, while their last T20I appearance came against South Africa in December 2024.

Prior to arriving in Trinidad, Pakistan defeated West Indies 2-1 in a T20I series held in Lauderhill, Florida.

Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem

Pakistan-West Indies ODI Series Schedule:

August 8 – 1st ODI, Brian Lara Cricket Academy

August 10 – 2nd ODI, Brian Lara Cricket Academy

August 12 – 3rd ODI, Brian Lara Cricket Academy

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Fakhar Zaman ruled out of West Indies tour with hamstring injury

LAUDERHILL: Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the remainder of the West Indies tour after suffering a hamstring injury during the second T20I in Florida.

The 35-year-old left-hander sustained a mild strain to his left hamstring while fielding in the 19th over of the match.

According to the team management, he underwent a medical assessment shortly after the incident, and the PCB medical panel confirmed the diagnosis.

Fakhar Zaman was immediately treated by the team’s physio and has since been sidelined from all cricketing activity.

As a result, he did not feature in the third and final T20I, where Pakistan secured a 13-run victory to clinch the series 2-1.

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He is expected to return to Pakistan on the evening of August 4 and will begin rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore under the supervision of PCB’s medical team.

The Mardan-born batter has been struggling for form in recent matches.

In the preceding series against Bangladesh, Fakhar posted scores of 1, 44, and 8. Against the West Indies, he managed 28 and 20 in the first two games before being sidelined.

Earlier this year, Fakhar Zaman suffered an oblique muscle injury during Pakistan’s opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he played through discomfort to score 24 off 41 balls before falling to Michael Bracewell. That injury had also ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.

He was subsequently overlooked for both the ODI and T20I squads during Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand in April.

READ: Pakistan clinch series with all-round win over West Indies in T20I decider

Jason Holder holds nerve as West Indies edge Pakistan to level series

LAUDERHILL: Jason Holder held his nerve in a tense final over as the West Indies pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in the second T20I at Central Broward Regional Park, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Chasing a modest 134, the hosts wobbled early, courtesy of Mohammad Nawaz, who struck twice in his first two overs.

The left-arm spinner removed Alick Athanaze (2) and then Jewel Andrew (12) to leave the West Indies struggling at 26-2 inside four overs.

Captain Agha Salman rotated his spinners smartly, and Saim Ayub delivered next, sending back Sherfane Rutherford (9) before Nawaz returned to dismiss Shai Hope (21), making it 53 for 4 by the 11th over.

West Indies clawed back through Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie, but Saim pegged them back again by getting rid of Chase for 16.

Motie then turned aggressor, launching two sixes off Hasan Ali to shift the pressure back on Pakistan.

But a sharp run-out by Mohammad Haris ended his brisk 28, and Muqeem added further damage by removing Keacy Carty, leaving the host reeling at 98-7.

Needing 36 off the last 18 balls, Holder and Romario Shepherd calmly plotted the chase.

Holder pounced on a wayward Hasan over to ease the pressure, and though Shaheen Afridi removed Shepherd in the final over, the experienced all-rounder sealed the win with a boundary off the last ball.

He remained unbeaten on 16 off 10.

For Pakistan, Nawaz stood out with 3 for 14 in four overs. Saim took 2 for 20, while Muqeem and Shaheen chipped in with a wicket each.

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Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bat first didn’t go to plan.

Jason Holder struck early to remove Saim Ayub (7) and Sahibzada Farhan (3), before Akeal Hosein dismissed Haris (4), leaving the visitors reeling at 21 for 3.

Fakhar Zaman (20) and Agha Salman stitched a brief stand, but Motie’s tight spell ensured no breathing room. Salman top-scored with 38 off 33 balls, adding 60 with Hassan Nawaz, whose quickfire 40 brought momentum back.

But Holder returned to derail the innings once again, claiming the wickets of Hassan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz to finish with outstanding figures of 4 for 19.

Motie polished off the tail, removing Salman and Faheem Ashraf (0) in one over.

Pakistan ended on 133 for 8, with Shaheen Afridi (2*) and Muqeem (1*) unbeaten.

The West Indies and Pakistan will face each other in the decider at the same venue tomorrow.

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Babar Azam, Rizwan reach Florida to join Pakistan squad for West Indies ODIs

LAUDERHILL: Four members of the Pakistan ODI squad, including captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batter Babar Azam, landed here on Friday ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies.

Rizwan, Babar, Abdullah Shafique, and fast bowler Naseem Shah are the first batch of players to arrive and will link up with the rest of the squad in Lauderhill.

The remaining squad members, currently involved in the ongoing T20I series, will travel to Trinidad and Tobago after the conclusion of the third T20I.

The ODI series is scheduled to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago on August 8, 10, and 12.

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This tour marks a return to international action for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have been out of T20I plans as of late.

Their last outing in Pakistan colours came during the ODI series against New Zealand in April, while their most recent T20I appearance was in December 2024 against South Africa.

Meanwhile, the national T20I side began their white-ball campaign in the Caribbean with a 14-run win in the series opener against West Indies at the Central Broward Regional Park on Thursday.

The remaining two T20Is will be played at the same venue on Sunday and Monday at 5:00 AM (Pakistan Standard Time).

ODI Series Schedule:

August 8 – 1st ODI vs West Indies, Brian Lara Cricket Academy

August 10 – 2nd ODI vs West Indies, Brian Lara Cricket Academy

August 12 – 3rd ODI vs West Indies, Brian Lara Cricket Academy

READ: Shahid Afridi opens up on his availability for WCL 2025 final

Salman Ali Agha lauds team effort after first T20I win over West Indies

LAUDERHILL: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha credited his side’s all-round performance for the 14-run victory against the West Indies in the opening match of the three-game T20I series at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium on Friday.

Saim Ayub put in a solid all-round performance, and Mohammad Nawaz took three wickets in one over to lead Pakistan to a dominant victory.

Addressing the media after the match, Agha praised his team’s composure across all departments and pinpointed the key moments that turned the game in Pakistan’s favour.

“It was a great game. We assessed the conditions well, batted, and finished strongly. We started well with the ball, dominated the middle overs, and the spinners were outstanding,” he said.

Despite going wicketless in the powerplay, Salman Ali Agha highlighted the team’s ability to maintain control and stay patient.

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He particularly praised Mohammad Nawaz’s 11th over, which proved decisive. The left-arm spinner claimed three wickets in that over, halting the West Indies’ momentum and shifting the balance firmly towards Pakistan.

“The 11th over brought us three wickets, and that was the turning point. Once the ball got older, it became difficult to bat against spin, and I was just waiting for that moment,” he added.

Commenting on the pitch, Salman Ali Agha noted that it offered similar challenges to both sides, with the older ball becoming more difficult to deal with.

“It was easier to score against the new ball, but as it aged, it began to grip and turn. That made batting much harder for both teams,” he concluded.

READ: Saim Ayub, Nawaz star as Pakistan draw first blood in West Indies T20I series

Salman Ali Agha explains exclusion of young pacers for West Indies series

LAUDERHILL: Pakistan white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha has addressed the exclusion of emerging fast bowlers Abbas Afridi, Ahmed Daniyal, and Salman Mirza from the squad for the white-ball series against the West Indies.

The trio had featured in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh, where Salman Mirza emerged as a bright spot with seven wickets in three games on his debut assignment.

Ahmed Daniyal made his debut in the same series, taking three wickets in two matches, while Abbas Afridi has been a regular member of Pakistan’s T20I side over the past year.

The pace battery for the Caribbean tour sees the return of experienced campaigners Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Haris Rauf.

In a video statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Salman clarified that the changes were part of a strategic decision to bring back Pakistan’s frontline pacers.

“These are our first-choice bowlers, the ones who have delivered consistently for Pakistan,” he said.

“We experimented in the last two series against Bangladesh, but now we are entering an important phase. It was necessary to go back to our main bowling options.”

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Pakistan will face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series starting this Friday at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida.

Acknowledging the strength of the hosts, Salman Ali Agha said the team is prepared for a tough challenge.

“West Indies have always been a tough side to play against because their T20 players are very dangerous. But we’re excited and fully prepared for the challenge,” he added.

The 31-year-old all-rounder also underlined the importance of the series in the lead-up to two major tournaments later this year, the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.

“Every series is crucial from here on. We’re looking to build momentum and find the right combination. With a mix of senior and younger players, we’ve formed a strong squad and are hopeful for a solid performance,” he said.

The T20Is will be played on August 2, 3, and 4 in Lauderhill, followed by a three-match ODI series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago on August 8, 10, and 12.

Pakistan T20I Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

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