PAK vs WI, 1st T20I Review: Pakistan brutally thrash the inexperienced Windies lineup

Everyone anticipated this Windies side to struggle badly, but the way Pakistan annihilated them in the first T20I was way too barbaric. In a one-sided relentless barrage, the hosts took down the Caribbean lads brutally and registered their biggest victory in the shortest format in terms of runs. This match also marked the return of Karachi, who hosted an International game nearly after a decade.

Batting first, Pakistani openers were severe on the inexperienced bowling contingent. Dashing southpaw Fakhar Zaman and the ever-reliable source of runs Babar Azam gave their side an ideal start and added 46 runs in 5 overs. Although both players fell in a span of 13 balls, Debutant Hussain Talat and skipper Sarfraz ensured the momentum didn’t slip away.

Both players stuck in and stitched a fantastic partnership for the third wicket. Hussain Talat played some amazing shots and that would’ve boosted his confidence so much. He’s one to watch for the future and supported his captain very well, who was doing some serious damage at the other end. They added 75 runs together and set a brilliant tone for Shoaib Malik to walk in and do finish things in style.

The senior player did manage to provide a cracking finish, dismantling the bowlers to all parts of the ground. It was an absolute exhibition and carnage from Malik, who clobbered 37 runs off just 14 balls. Just when people felt quick wickets of Hussain Talat and the skipper would prevent them from scoring anything above 200, Malik ensured they got past that mark.

The hosts registered 203 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Barring Keemo Paul, who gave away just 26 runs in his 4 overs, all the other bowlers conceded at over 10 an over. It was a forgettable night for the Windies bowlers and their batsmen ensured they were not the worst on the day.

Pakistani bowlers run riot; Windies left in shambles

Right from the outset in the second innings, the Windies were on the backfoot, just how they were with the ball in hand. Nothing went right for them in the entire game and their batsmen’s performance just summed up how bad their morale is right now. If this is how they are going to approach this series, they are up for some serious punishment.

The new ball bowlers Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Amir were just too good for the Caribbean top order, who had no answer to their fiery swing bowling. Marlon Samuels was the only person who tried to stick at the crease for some time and even with all the experience he has, he failed to deliver a top-notch performance.

Skipper Jason Mohammed and Dinesh Ramdin fell without troubling the scorers even a single bit. Keemo Paul and Emrit were the other two players barring Samuels to have faced more than 10 balls in the innings, a stat which suggests how poor an exhibition that was from the Windies. Veerasammy Permaul didn’t come out to bat due to an injury and the Windies got bowled out for a paltry 60 runs.

It was a spectacular effort from the bowlers, who collaborated brilliantly and piled up the agony very hard on the Windies. This series is showing great signs of being one of the most one-sided in the history of their great rivalry.

Brief Scores

Pakistan: 203/5 in 20 overs (Shoaib Malik 37*, Sarfraz Ahmed 38, Fakhar Zaman 39)

Windies: 60 all out in 13.4 overs (Mohammed Amir 2/3, Shoaib Malik 2/13)

Player of the match: Hussain Talat