Pakistan secured a 14-run victory over West Indies in the first T20 International of the three-match series, with young opener Saim Ayub shining both with the bat and ball.

After losing the toss, Pakistan were sent in to bat by West Indies captain Shai Hope.

Batting first, the Men in Green posted 178 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Saim Ayub top-scored with a fluent 57, while Fakhar Zaman added 28.

Contributions also came from Hasan Nawaz (24), Faheem Ashraf (16), and Sahibzada Farhan (14). Captain Salman Ali Agha (11*) and Mohammad Haris (6*) remained not out at the end.

West Indies’ bowling attack was led by Shamar Joseph, who picked up three wickets. Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Romario Shepherd claimed one wicket each.

Chasing 179 for victory, West Indies managed 164 for 7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 14 runs.

Pakistan’s bowling hero was once again Saim Ayub, who took two key wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz turned the tide of the match with three wickets in a single over.

Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with one wicket apiece.

With this win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second T20 will be played on Sunday. Keacy Carty Alick Athanaze Shamar Joseph and Johnson Charles for the T20I series.

Playing XIs:

West Indies: Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (C/WK), Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Jediah Blades.

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (WK), Salman Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Series Schedule:

• July 31: First T20I vs. West Indies, Central Broward Park

• August 2: Second T20I vs. West Indies, Central Broward Park

• August 3: Third T20I vs. West Indies, Central Broward Park

• August 8: First ODI vs. West Indies, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad & Tobago

• August 10: Second ODI vs. West Indies, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad & Tobago

• August 12: Third ODI vs. West Indies, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad & Tobago