BRIAN LARA CRICKET ACADEMY: Pakistan ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan has credited debutant Hassan Nawaz and all-rounder Hussain Talat for their composure under pressure, which led to Pakistan’s thrilling five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series on Friday.
Addressing the media at the post-match press conference, Rizwan said the duo’s unbeaten 104-run partnership for the sixth wicket was the defining moment of the game.
“Hassan Nawaz and Talat deserve all the credit. The conditions were not easy, but their calmness and confidence were exceptional. Especially Talat, coming in at No. 7 and playing that role under pressure — he was outstanding,” Rizwan said.
Rizwan Reflects on Bowling Concerns and Fielding Conditions
While praising the team’s fighting spirit, Rizwan acknowledged that the bowling unit still has room for improvement.
“We gave away a few too many runs towards the end. The ball was gripping in the first half, but we didn’t finish as well as we wanted to,” he noted.
Rizwan also highlighted a shift in attitude among the bowlers due to new conditions after the 34th over, saying:
“Bowlers are happy because they feel the single-ball rule can help with reverse swing. There’s a different energy within the bowling group now.”
Hassan and Talat Rescue Pakistan After Top-Order Wobble
Chasing 281, Pakistan got off to a rocky start, losing Saim Ayub for just 5 in the third over to Jayden Seales. Abdullah Shafique (29) and Babar Azam (47) helped rebuild the innings with a 55-run partnership, followed by Rizwan’s own steady knock of 53, his 16th ODI fifty.
However, with Pakistan at 180-5, the pressure was mounting — until Hassan Nawaz and Talat stepped up.
- Hassan Nawaz, on debut, showed remarkable poise, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 54 balls, hitting five boundaries and three sixes.
- Hussain Talat supported him brilliantly with 41 not out off 37 balls, guiding Pakistan home in 48.5 overs.
West Indies Set Competitive Total Before Collapsing Late
Batting first, West Indies were bowled out for 280 in 48.4 overs. The innings was built around solid contributions from:
- Evin Lewis (60)
- Shai Hope (55)
- Roston Chase (53)
- Late fireworks from Gudakesh Motie, who hit 31 off 18 balls, added vital runs at the death.
Pakistan’s bowling was led by Shaheen Afridi, who took 4-51, while Naseem Shah grabbed 3-55. Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Ali Agha chipped in with one wicket each.
With the win, Pakistan go 1-0 up in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played on Sunday, with Pakistan looking to seal the series and West Indies aiming to bounce back.
