LAUDERHILL (Kashmir English): A disciplined bowling and solid batting enabled Pakistan to seal a gripping 2-1 series victory over West Indies with a 13-run win in the third and last T20I at Central Broward Park, Lauderhill in the USA.
Pakistan batted first and scored a comprehensive 189/4 in their 20 overs. Opener Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub laid the foundation early, sharing a good opening stand.
Farhan hit 74 of 53 balls, with Ayub contributing 66 of 49, using a blend of patience and aggression to torment the West Indian bowlers.
Late order strikers Hasan Nawaz (15 of 7), Khushdil Shah (11* of 6), and Faheem Ashraf (10* of 3) added a late flourish to the innings, taking the total within touching distance of 190.
In response, the West Indies made a good beginning but could not maintain the desired rate of runs. Alick Athanaze opened the innings with a positive 60 off 40 balls, and Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with 51 off 35, but the rest of the order did not fire at crucial times.
Pakistan bowlers remained calm and composed under pressure. Sufiyan Muqeem was impressive with economical returns of 1/20 off 4 overs, while Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Nawaz also contributed a wicket each.
West Indies were 176/6, 13 runs short of the required target. Even late contributions by Gudakesh Motie (10* off 4) could not help the hosts to achieve the victory.
Pakistan had made two alterations for today’s match. Khushdil Shah was included in the team in the absence of Fakhar Zaman, who has been excluded following a left hamstring strain injury during the second T20I.
Haris Rauf, who had missed the second T20I, has replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi. The West Indies have not made any alterations to the team that played the second T20I.
