LAUDERHILL (SNP Report): A composed all-round performance helped Pakistan defeat West Indies by 13 runs in the third and final T20I at the Central Broward Regional Park on Monday, securing the series 2-1.
Batting first after winning the toss, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a rock-solid foundation with a 138-run opening stand, the highest of the series. Farhan top-scored with a stylish 74 off 53 balls, including 3 fours and 5 sixes, while Ayub chipped in with a fluent 66 off 49. Cameos from Khushdil Shah (11* off 6) and Faheem Ashraf (10* off 3) lifted Pakistan to a commanding 189-4.
West Indies began their chase aggressively, hammering 16 runs in the opening over by Hasan Ali. Openers Jewel Andrew (24 off 15) and Alick Athanaze (60 off 40) added 44 runs before Pakistan struck through Haris Rauf. Athanaze’s counterattack featured smart shot selection and solid strike rotation, but once he fell to Ayub, the chase began to unravel.
Despite late resistance from Sherfane Rutherford (51 off 35), Pakistan’s bowlers kept their nerve in the death overs. A dramatic collapse, including a retired out Roston Chase and a golden duck for Jason Holder, left West Indies struggling to keep up. They eventually finished on 176-6, falling short by 13 runs. Pakistan’s bowling effort was evenly spread, with Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Sufiyan Muqeem each claiming a wicket. The two sides now shift focus to the three-match ODI series, which begins on Friday in Trinidad.
Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has clarified why he didn’t bowl in the recently concluded T20I series against the West Indies, saying it was a strategic call aligned with preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking during the post-series press conference, Salman said: “We are playing every series with the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind. From our home-and-away matches against Bangladesh to this West Indies tour, and upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup, everything is part of a larger roadmap.”
While some observers questioned why he didn’t roll his arm over during the series, Salman revealed that the decision was based on match-ups and pressure management. “I didn’t bowl because Saim Ayub was doing really well. At one point, there were two left-handers on strike, and I considered it. But to maintain pressure, we needed Sufiyan Muqeem from the other end. It was purely tactical,” he explained.
He also praised the team’s batting efforts in testing Caribbean conditions, adding that performances here will boost confidence heading into the tri-series and Asia Cup, especially with more favorable pitches expected in the UAE. “Going forward,” he added, “you will definitely see me bowl.”
SCORES IN BRIEF: PAKISTAN 189-4 (Farhan 74, Ayub 66, Chase 1-31) beat WEST INDIES 176-6 (Athanaze 60, Rutherford 51, Muqeem 1-20) by 13 runs.
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