Pakistan began the three-match ODI series on a winning note, defeating hosts West Indies by five wickets at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead.

 

West Indies won the toss and chose to bat first, setting a target of 281 after scoring 280 in 49 overs.

 

Evin Lewis top-scored with 60, while captain Shai Hope made 55 and Roston Chase added 53. Rutherford scored 10, Gudakesh Motie 31, Shamar Joseph 8, and Shepherd 4 before the side was bowled out.

 

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi starred with four wickets, Naseem Shah claimed three, and Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Agha picked up one each.

 

Batting second, Pakistan chased the target confidently, reaching 281 for 5 in the 49th over. Debutant Hassan Nawaz impressed with a brilliant 63, while Hussain Talat remained unbeaten on 41. Babar Azam scored 47, Abdullah Shafique 29, and Salman Agha 23.

 

Before the match, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema presented Hassan Nawaz with his ODI debut cap, with teammates and support staff congratulating him.

 

Pakistan’s playing XI included Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

 

The Green Shirts now have the chance to seal the series in the second ODI, scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.