Daijiworld Media Network - Trinidad
Trinidad, Aug 9: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi scripted history in the first ODI against West Indies by becoming the highest wicket-taker after 65 matches, surpassing Rashid Khan’s record.
Opting to bowl first at the Brian Lara Stadium, Pakistan restricted West Indies to 280, despite half-centuries from Evin Lewis, Roston Chase, and skipper Shai Hope. Shaheen led the bowling attack with 4 for 51, taking his career tally to 131 wickets in 65 ODIs. Naseem Shah chipped in with 3 for 55.
In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in 48.5 overs with five wickets to spare. Hasan Nawaz guided the visitors home with an unbeaten 63, including a six and a decisive boundary in the penultimate over. Captain Mohammad Rizwan added 53 runs to the tally.
Nawaz, who was named Player of the Match, said, “At the start, the spinners were great, but once the dew came in it got easier.”
West Indies captain Hope admitted the side fell short in the middle overs. “Maybe we could’ve got more runs. Credit to our bowlers for fighting at the end,” he said.
Pakistan had earlier won the T20I series 2-1 in Florida. The second ODI will be played on Sunday, followed by the final on Tuesday at the same venue.