Mohammad Rizwan hails Hassan Nawaz, Talat after Pakistan’s opening win over West Indies

Pakistan’s ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan praised debutant Hassan Nawaz and all-rounder Hussain Talat for their match-winning stand in the team’s five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Friday.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rizwan lauded the duo for staying calm under pressure.

"Hassan Nawaz and Talat deserve all the credit. The conditions weren’t easy, but to have that partnership coming in at seven, I want to give a lot of credit to Hussain Talat," Rizwan said.

The skipper also highlighted areas for improvement, especially in the bowling department.

"We want to improve a bit on our bowling. The ball was gripping in the first half and towards the end, we gave a few too many runs, I feel," he noted.

He further shared the bowlers’ mindset and how they adapted to the match situation.

"Bowlers are happy because they feel it (having a single ball after the 34th over) can reverse, and there was a different feeling among the bowling group," he added.

Chasing 281, Pakistan had a shaky start as opener Saim Ayub fell for just five runs to Jayden Seales in the third over. Abdullah Shafique (29) and Babar Azam (47) steadied the innings before Rizwan joined Babar for a valuable 55-run stand.

Rizwan reached his 16th ODI fifty but was dismissed by Shamar Joseph for 53. With the score at 180-5, Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Talat put on an unbeaten 104-run partnership for the sixth wicket to take Pakistan over the line in 48.5 overs.

Hassan, dropped once during his innings, scored an unbeaten 63 off 54 balls with five fours and three sixes. Talat contributed 41 not out from 37 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six.

Earlier, the West Indies were bowled out for 280 in 49 overs. Evin Lewis top-scored with 60 off 62 balls, while skipper Shai Hope made 55 and Roston Chase added 53. Gudakesh Motie’s quickfire 31 off 18 balls helped the hosts post a competitive total.

Shaheen Afridi was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with 4-51, while Naseem Shah took 3-55. Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Ali Agha claimed a wicket each.

With this win, Pakistan lead the series 1-0. The second ODI will be played on Sunday at the same venue.