Hasan Nawaz delivers record debut, ending six-year wait for Pakistan

Hasan Nawaz made a dream start to his international career, scoring an unbeaten 63 on debut to help Pakistan beat the West Indies by five wickets in the first ODI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Friday.

The 22-year-old became only the 14th Pakistani batter to score a fifty or more on ODI debut, ending a six-year wait since Abid Ali’s hundred against Australia in 2019.

Chasing 281, Pakistan got off to a poor start when Saim Ayub was dismissed for five by Jayden Seales in the third over. Abdullah Shafique (29) and Babar Azam (47) steadied the innings, with Babar adding 55 runs alongside captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Rizwan, who scored his 16th ODI half-century, fell to Shamar Joseph for 53, leaving Pakistan in a tricky position at 180-5. However, Nawaz and Hussain Talat kept their composure, putting together an unbeaten 104-run stand for the sixth wicket to seal the win in 48.5 overs.

Nawaz’s 54-ball knock included five fours and three sixes, while Talat scored 41 not out off 37 balls with four boundaries and a six.

Earlier, the West Indies posted 280 runs in 49 overs. Evin Lewis top-scored with 60, captain Shai Hope made 55, and Roston Chase contributed 53. Gudakesh Motie added late momentum with 31 from just 18 balls.

Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with 4-51, while Naseem Shah claimed 3-55. Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Ali Agha took one wicket each.

The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second ODI scheduled for Sunday.