Islamabad 3 August: West Indies secured a thrilling victory over Pakistan in the second T20I at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, chasing down 134 on the final ball, thanks to late heroics from Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd.
Needing four runs off the last ball, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled a wide while attempting a yorker. With three runs required off the final delivery, Afridi’s leg-stump line was dispatched for four by Holder, sealing the win for West Indies.
Pakistan’s bowlers put up a fight, with Mohammad Nawaz shining, taking 3 wickets for 14 runs in his four overs. Saim Ayub claimed 2 wickets for 20, while Afridi and Sufyan Moqim picked up one each. However, it wasn’t enough to defend the modest total of 133 for 9.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan faced early trouble. Opener Saim Ayub, fresh off a half-century in the first match, fell for 7 in the second over to Jason Holder. Sahibzada Farhan followed, scoring 3, as Pakistan slumped to 16-2 by the fourth over. Mohammad Haris’ brief stay ended with 4 runs, leaving Pakistan reeling.
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Fakhar Zaman (20) and captain Salman Ali Agha (38) steadied the innings, but Roston Chase dismissed Fakhar in the 10th over. Hassan Nawaz provided a spark, smashing 40 off 23 balls, including three consecutive sixes in the 15th over. However, Holder struck again, removing Hassan to end a 60-run stand.
Gudakesh Motie’s double blow in the 17th over, dismissing Salman and Faheem Ashraf (0), further dented Pakistan’s hopes. Holder claimed his fourth wicket by removing Mohammad Nawaz (2), and Shamar Joseph wrapped up the innings, dismissing Hasan Ali (8). Pakistan finished at 133, with Afridi (2*) and Muqeem (1*) unbeaten.
Holder’s All-Round Brilliance
Jason Holder was the star for West Indies, delivering a match-defining performance with 4 wickets for 19 runs. Motie supported with 2-39, while Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, and Roston Chase took one wicket each.
Head-to-Head Context
In 22 T20I encounters, Pakistan hold a 16-3 advantage over West Indies, with three matches ending without a result. This win keeps the series alive as both teams head into the final match.
Line-Ups
West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Shai Hope (C/WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Keacy Carty, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph.
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (WK), Salman Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem.
