by In a thrilling conclusion to an exhilarating T20I series, Pakistan edged out West Indies by 13 runs in the decisive final match to claim the series victory. Played under floodlights and packed stands, the match encapsulated all the intensity and unpredictability that T20 cricket is loved for. With both teams coming into the match with a win apiece in the first two games, the stage was set for a dramatic finale—and the players did not disappoint.
A Confident Start by Pakistan
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, showing confidence in setting a target rather than chasing one. The opening pair, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, provided a steady start. Rizwan, in particular, looked fluent with his timing, punishing the West Indian bowlers for any loose deliveries. The duo stitched together a 63-run partnership before Babar was dismissed for 28 off 21 balls.
Fakhar Zaman then stepped in and accelerated the innings. With crisp boundaries and smart running between the wickets, Fakhar’s quickfire 41 off 24 balls gave Pakistan the momentum they needed. The middle order, led by Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, added crucial runs in the final overs, pushing the total to a competitive 178/6 in 20 overs.
West Indies’ bowlers struggled with consistency, although Alzarri Joseph and Akeal Hosein managed to keep things relatively tight in patches. Jason Holder picked up two wickets but was expensive, conceding 41 runs in his four overs.
West Indies’ Chase Falters Under Pressure
Chasing 179, West Indies had a fiery start. Brandon King and Kyle Mayers attacked the Pakistani pacers early on, taking advantage of the powerplay field restrictions. At one point, they reached 58/1 in just six overs, putting Pakistan under pressure.
However, the game turned around with the introduction of Pakistan’s spinners. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim applied the brakes, choking the flow of runs and picking up timely wickets. Shadab’s variations and accuracy were particularly impressive, as he returned figures of 3/27 in his four-over spell.
The middle order of West Indies, which included the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell, failed to capitalize on the platform laid by the openers. Boundaries dried up, and with the required run rate creeping up, batters began to take risks—most of which ended up costing them their wickets.
Shaheen Afridi returned in the death overs and, along with Naseem Shah, ensured there were no heroics from the Caribbean tail. West Indies ultimately finished at 165/9, falling 13 runs short of the target.
Star Performers
Shadab Khan was rightfully named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance. Not only did he bowl with precision, but his brief cameo of 18 runs in the final overs also gave Pakistan an edge with the bat.
Mohammad Rizwan once again proved his value at the top, anchoring the innings with a composed 47. His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps made it difficult for West Indies to build pressure early in the match.
For West Indies, Brandon King’s 44-run knock stood out, but he lacked support from the rest of the lineup when it mattered most.
Series Reflection
Pakistan’s victory in the series decider marks a significant achievement, especially as the team eyes upcoming international assignments, including the T20 World Cup. The win not only boosts their confidence but also highlights the depth and flexibility of their squad.
The bowling unit, particularly the spin duo of Shadab and Imad, has emerged as a potent threat in middle overs. Meanwhile, the batting lineup—though still needing more consistent contributions from the middle order—has shown resilience under pressure.
For the West Indies, while there were moments of brilliance, especially in the second T20I where they convincingly chased down a big target, inconsistency continues to plague their game. The team has the firepower but must work on maintaining momentum across all 20 overs.
The Road Ahead
This series win provides valuable momentum for Pakistan as they prepare for more international fixtures and tournaments ahead. It also allows team management to assess combinations, test bench strength, and fine-tune their game strategy.
West Indies, on the other hand, will return to the drawing board to address their middle-order fragility and bowling discipline. With the talent they possess, a few tactical adjustments could make them a formidable T20 outfit again.
As the series concludes, fans from both nations have witnessed exciting cricket, brilliant individual performances, and edge-of-the-seat moments—reminding everyone why T20 cricket continues to capture the imagination of audiences around the world.
