Rizwan Praises Hassan Nawaz and Talat After Pakistan’s Five-Wicket Win Over West Indies

With this win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

By DTD- On Aug 9, 2025

Tarouba: Pakistan ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan lauded debutant Hassan Nawaz and all-rounder Hussain Talat for their match-winning partnership that secured a thrilling five-wicket win over the West Indies in the series opener at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Friday.

Chasing 281, Pakistan found themselves under pressure at 180 for 5, but a composed and unbeaten 104-run partnership between Nawaz and Talat guided the visitors to victory with seven balls to spare. Nawaz, playing his first ODI, remained unbeaten on 63 off 54 deliveries, while Talat supported with 41* off 37 balls.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rizwan said, “Hasan Nawaz and Talat deserve all the credit. The conditions weren’t easy, but to have that partnership coming in at seven, I want to give a lot of credit to Hussain Talat.”

Earlier in the chase, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub early, but rebuilding efforts from Abdullah Shafique (29), Babar Azam (47), and Rizwan himself (53) laid a solid foundation. Rizwan also reached his 16th ODI half-century before falling to Shamar Joseph.

Reflecting on the team’s bowling effort, Rizwan acknowledged the need for improvement. “We want to improve a bit on our bowling. The ball was gripping in the first half and towards the end, we gave a few too many runs,” he said. He added that bowlers were optimistic due to the reverse swing potential after the 34th over.

The West Indies posted a competitive 280, thanks to half-centuries from Evin Lewis (60), Shai Hope (55), and Roston Chase (53). A late cameo from Gudakesh Motie (31 off 18) pushed the total further. Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi starred with the ball, picking up 4 for 51, while Naseem Shah claimed 3 for 55.

With this win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second ODI is scheduled for Sunday, with West Indies aiming to bounce back.