WI vs PAK 1st ODI: Debut delight! Hasan Nawaz’s heroics power Pakistan to five-wicket win over West Indies | Cricket News

Hasan Nawaz hits a six. (AP Photo)

Pakistan’s newest batting star, Hasan Nawaz, marked his one-day international debut in style, guiding his side to a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies in the series opener on Friday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Chasing 281 under the lights, Pakistan looked in trouble at 180/5 when Mohammad Rizwan departed for a well-made 53, trapped lbw by Shamar Joseph in the 38th over. But debutant Nawaz, just 22 years old, showed remarkable composure, forging an unbroken 104-run sixth-wicket stand with Hussain Talat to seal the win with seven balls to spare.

Nawaz, who finished unbeaten on 63 from 54 balls with three sixes and five fours, struck a six early in the 49th over before driving Joseph to the boundary for the winning runs. Talat’s steady 41 off 37 balls, featuring one six and four fours, was equally crucial in the match-turning partnership.“Feeling really blessed to play this knock on my debut,” said Player of the Match Nawaz. “The plan was to build a partnership — Talat could target spin, I could handle pace — and it worked perfectly.”Earlier, West Indies posted 280 all out, built on half-centuries from Evin Lewis (60), Shai Hope (55) and Roston Chase (53). Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 4/51, struck at key moments, with Naseem Shah cleaning up the tail in the penultimate over.West Indies skipper Hope admitted conditions played a role: “The surface was a lot slower in the first innings, then very wet at night, making it tough for the spinners. We need more runs as a cushion in such conditions.”Pakistan captain Rizwan hailed the match-winners: “Hasan Nawaz and Talat deserve all the credit. The conditions weren’t easy, but they handled it brilliantly. We just need to tighten up our bowling at the death.”The series continues with the second ODI on Sunday, followed by the decider on Tuesday.