KARACHI, Pakistan (AFP) — Pakistan thrashed West Indies by 63 runs in the inaugural Twenty20 international in Karachi on Monday, with Mohammad Rizwan and Haider Ali scoring blazing half centuries.
Rizwan slammed a 52-ball 78 with 10 boundaries, his 12th half-century and 11th of the season, while Haider hit a career-best 68 to help the hosts reach 200-6 in 20 overs.
The visitors were never in contention for the target, as they were destroyed by a better Pakistani bowling attack and were dismissed for 137 in 19 overs.
Mohammad Wasim, a fast bowler, produced a career-high 4-40, while Shadab Khan, a spinner, had 3-17.
Shai Hope, who top-scored with 31, was one of leg-spinner Shadab’s two wickets in the same over, the other being Shamarh Brooks, who was dismissed for five.
Shai Hope, who top-scored with 31, was one of leg-spinner Shadab’s two wickets in the same over, the other being Shamarh Brooks, who was dismissed for five.
Odean Smith (24), Rovman Powell (23) and Romario Shepherd (21) all made valuable contributions, but they never put Pakistan in danger.
This is Pakistan’s 13th win against the West Indies in 19 Twenty20 internationals, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Rizwan, who has a stellar 2021 in Twenty20 international cricket and has already reached 1,000 runs in the calendar year, was once again the anchor for Pakistan.
After skipper Babar Azam went without scoring and Fakhar Zaman made only 10, Rizwan and Haider added 105 for the third wicket, with West Indian spinners finding early success.
Azam, who is ranked number one in T20I cricket, had a rare setback when he edged a crisp turning ball from spinner Akeal Hossein.
Before Rizwan and Haider saved Pakistan, Zaman had the upper hand over Shepherd.
In his 39-ball innings, Haider hit four sixes and six boundaries.
Mohammad Nawaz completed the innings with a quickfire 10-ball 30 not out that included two sixes and three boundaries.
Following three positive Covid-19 tests among their T20I players, West Indies called up Brooks and Devon Thomas from their one-day squad, giving Brooks his first T20I appearance.
The remaining matches will take place in Karachi on Tuesday and Thursday.
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