Saim Ayub hits 66 and takes a key wicket as Pakistan clinches the series in the decider at Lauderhill.
Pakistan stunned West Indies by 13 runs to win the three-match T20 series 2-1 on Sunday night. Another player who distinguished himself was Ayub in the series decider played in Lauderhill, Florida, with bat and ball.
This victory in the T20 series gives a huge boost to the Pakistan team after some bad events lately. The young opener Ayub gave an excellent innings to give the partnership to set up the win. Combining forces with Sahibzada Farhan, he gave Pakistan a good beginning with a partnership of 138 runs to open the account.
Until now, Pakistan has scored 189 at 4 in the 20 overs, and West Indies was forced to close at 176 at 6. This 13-run margin helped to win the series, with each of the matches being won by a team. Game 5 was all in favor of the series, as it was scheduled on Sunday night in Florida.
The management of the Pakistani team had even defined its strategy relative to this decisive game. They were aware that having a formidable batting lineupin the top order would put some pressure on the West Indies. Ayub and Farhan had done what was required with their huge first-wicket partnership.
It is being said everywhere that the win of this series will boost the morale of Pakistan in their remaining matches. The West Indies have been underperforming in T20s, and they were thrashed by Australia recently. Through this loss, they are in a tough patch in the shortest format of the game in T20.
Pakistan made a very good start as Sam Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan shared a 138-run stand. Both the batsmen were aggressive right at the beginning. Farhan got out in the 17th over, having scored 74 runs in 53 balls.
Farhan was dismissed trying to take a low full toss bowled by Shamar Joseph to the hands of Shai Hope in the long-off position. The opener really scored a great game, and he set a very good foundation for Pakistan. He made 74 runs with lovely strokes all around the park.
After 19 overs, Saim Ayub batted and scored 66 runs off 49 balls. He scored a full ball struck by Jason Holder into the hands of Sherfane Rutherford at covers. The innings of Ayub was significant to get Pakistan a competitive score of 189.
In general, Pakistan did not appear invincible but looked good. The West Indies needed to bat well in order to pursue the goal of 190 laps. It began quite well but failed to sustain it to keep the innings going.
West Indies Start Well but Fall Short
The West Indies got off to a terrific start with 33 runs being scored in the first two overs. They scored 16 runs on the first over in bowling by Hasan Ali and 17 runs in the second over on the bowling of Mohammad Nawaz. With this quick start, they felt there was a chance to win the target.
However, Haris Rauf was able to alter the game in the third over, as he was able to bowl tight and concede 5 runs. He made the first blow when he dismissed Jewel Andrew the fifth over as a clean bowler against 24 out of 15 balls. Hasan Ali caught Andrew when the score was 44.
The best innings of the West Indies was played by Alick Athanaze, scoring 60 runs in 40 balls. He had key alliances with Shai Hope, who contributed 7 runs, and Sherfane Rutherford. These alliances made the West Indies stay in the game a bit.
The break was in the 13th over when Athanaze got short fast. In his attempt to finish a quicker delivery booted by Saim Ayub, he misjudged the timing and was dismissed at short third man. It was at that moment when the West Indies were 110/3 and 80 runs were required in 7 overs.
Sherfane Rutherford did his level best to bring the West Indies back in the match with 51 runs in 35 balls. He made some good shots and made his team hope. His wicket in the final over did not allow the opportunity of a comeback win by the West Indies.
Series Recap and What’s Next
It was a very thrilling three-match series, with both the teams winning one match each and then coming to the decider. The first game was won by 14 runs by Pakistan. West Indies staged a comeback to earn a 2-wicket victory after a nerve-wracking finish to the second game Saturday.
Jason Holder had been the savior of the West Indies in the second game. He had cleaned up 4 wickets and followed it up with the winning boundary on the final ball. This dramatic decider in Florida was the result of that win.
The series success ends the bad run of the West Indies in the T20 cricket. The last six T20 matches that they played ended in their defeat until the victory in game two. This also encompassed a massive 5-0 thrashing against Australia and other non-results.
Both the teams are now going to the Caribbean to play a three-match ODI series. This will provide them with another opportunity to fight against one another with a new style. Pakistan will feel good after winning this T20 series.
Final Match Summary:
Pakistan: 189/4 (20 overs)
- Sahibzada Farhan: 74 (53 balls)
- Saim Ayub: 66 (49 balls)
- Jason Holder: 1/34, Shamar Joseph: 1/57
West Indies: 176/6 (20 overs)
- Alick Athanaze: 60 (40 balls)
- Sherfane Rutherford: 51 (35 balls)
- Haris Rauf: 1/25, Saim Ayub: 1/20
Result: Pakistan won by 13 runs and clinched the series 2-1.