Pakistan Secure T20I Series Victory, Extending Dominance Over West Indies

Pakistan secured a resounding 13-run victory over the West Indies in the final T20I at Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida, clinching the three-match series 2-1. This marks Pakistan’s seventh consecutive bilateral T20I series win against the West Indies, extending a dominant streak dating back to 2013. The foundation of Pakistan’s triumph was laid by a scintillating opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub.

Farhan, who earned the Player of the Match accolade, crafted a masterful 74 off 53 balls, adorned with five sixes and three fours. Ayub complemented his partner’s aggression with an elegant 66, his innings punctuated by a six and four off consecutive deliveries against Romario Shepherd. Together, they constructed a formidable 138-run stand, frustrating the West Indian bowlers and setting the stage for a challenging total. This partnership allowed Pakistan to accelerate in the latter stages, ultimately posting a series-high 189 for four.

Despite the imposing target, the West Indies began their chase with explosive intent. Jewel Andrew and Alick Athanaze plundered early boundaries, capitalizing on loose deliveries from Hasan Ali and Player of the Series, Mohammad Nawaz. However, the introduction of Haris Rauf into the attack stemmed the flow of runs, culminating in Andrew’s dismissal for 24.

Athanaze continued to anchor the West Indian innings, reaching his maiden T20I half-century off 31 balls, his knock studded with eight fours and a six. He formed a promising partnership with Sherfane Rutherford, briefly reviving West Indian hopes. Their alliance took the score to 110 for two, keeping the Caribbean side in the hunt. Even after Athanaze’s departure for a well-compiled 60, Rutherford and Roston Chase added a quick 39 runs, sustaining the pressure on Pakistan.

With 41 runs required from the final three overs, Chase made the tactical decision to retire out, paving the way for power hitters to escalate the scoring rate. This strategic move, however, backfired as the West Indies lost momentum, struggling to find boundaries against a disciplined Pakistani attack. The crucial wicket of Jason Holder, dismissed for a duck by Sufiyan Muqueem in the 18th over, further hampered their chase.

Rutherford, battling valiantly, reached his half-century off 32 balls but the asking rate proved insurmountable. Despite his late-innings flourish, the West Indies ultimately fell short, ending their innings at 176 for six. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Rauf and Muqueem, held their nerve in the final overs, ensuring a comfortable victory and sealing the series triumph. The match highlighted the importance of a solid opening partnership and disciplined bowling in the T20 format, elements that ultimately proved decisive in Pakistan’s success.