PAK VS WI ODI

Right then, that is it from this contest and what a close game we've just witnessed. Plenty of action still to come in this series, with two matches left and the next one is up pretty soon. The crucial 2nd ODI will be played at the same venue on Sunday, 10 August at 1.30 pm GMT. However, as usual, you can join us a lot sooner for the build-up. Cheers!

The skipper of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan, says that he gives full credit to Hussain Talat and Hasan Nawaz, saying that at one stage it looked like the team was under pressure with the opposition bowling well despite the dew, but that seventh-wicket partnership was amazing to watch. Admits that they did not know the conditions well and were in doubt about the forecast, adding that with the next game being a day match, adaptation will be key. Mentions that they won the toss but failed to make use of the surface, and had they done so, they should have kept the opposition under 250. Praises Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for bowling well in the death overs. Points out the moisture in the pitch, noting that they batted in testing conditions, with even Saim Ayub managing to turn the ball. Believes that if the bowling department improves, such results will follow in the future. Rizwan says that the bowlers are happy, especially with the reverse swing coming into play, and that this new change in rule has the bowlers feeling chuffed about it.

West Indies' skipper, Shai Hope, says that it is a tough loss and the toss definitely had a role to play, but they could have put on a few more runs. Adds that he needs to commend his bowlers for the fight they showed in the end with the wet ball. Reckons that the ball didn't turn much in the second innings and it was a bit tough against the slower ball early on, but emphasizes that they should have got more runs. Goes on to applaud his spinners as they managed to bowl well with the wet ball and hopes that they can improve in the upcoming games.

Hasan Nawaz is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive match-winning fifty on debut. Says that he feels truly blessed to have played such an innings in his very first game. The plan, he explains, was to build a solid partnership, especially with the spinners getting the ball to grip early on, which made them avoid taking unnecessary risks. Adds that the strategy was simple, where Hussain Talat would target the spinners while he was focused on handling the pace, and it worked perfectly for the team.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to field first on a deck that had plenty of moisture in it. Things started brightly for Pakistan as Shaheen Afridi got rid of Brandon King in the very first over. There was a good fightback from Keacy Carty and Evin Lewis before the Pakistani spinners came into the game and got a few breakthroughs. In the second half, skipper Shai Hope and Roston Chase scored twin fifties, but a late burst from Shaheen and even Naseem Shah ensured that the Windies couldn't get towards the 300-run mark.

With the score 180/5 and a debutant at the crease, Pakistan needed something special, and their wish was granted as Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat weathered the storm and saw off Roston Chase, who was bowling deadly accurate for most of his spell. Then, the duo was able to latch onto some really ordinary bowling by the West Indies pacers and from thereon, they never looked back. It ended up being an unbeaten stand worth 104 runs between the duo, with Nawaz notching up fifty on debut and Talat scoring 41 quick runs as well.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan took on the mantle for Pakistan and kept the scoreboard ticking, but the Windies spinners started to make their way into the game. Gudakesh Motie bowled a tight spell and even got rid of Babar. West Indies managed to pick up a couple of more wickets at crucial intervals, and once Rizwan fell for 53, it seemed like one more wicket would seal the game for the hosts.

281 was always a gettable total on this track, but given the unpredictable nature of the Pakistani batting, anything could happen. After losing Saim Ayub early, the duo of Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam steadied the ship. However, the frontline pace duo of Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales picked up a wicket each to keep it even-steven.

What a game! What a debut from Hasan Nawaz, and he's sealed a memorable victory for his side and has given them a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. West Indies will feel they were ahead in the game heading into the final 10-15 overs, but in the end, Nawaz and Hussain Talat have stolen the show and the game with an over and one ball to spare.

FOUR! GAME, SET, AND MATCH! The winning runs come off the bat of the debutant. Another full toss, around middle, Hasan Nawaz just comes forward a bit and muscles it over mid-wicket for a boundary to seal the deal. Pakistan win the first ODI by five wickets and go up 1-0 in the 3-match series.

A full toss and outside off, Hussain Talat squeezes it to deep point for one. He wants another but is sent back. 100 runs come up for this partnership.

Full and around middle, Nawaz flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! On a length but wide outside off, Hasan looks to slice it off the outer half of the bat but misses. Called a wide.

SIX! STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW! That should do for Pakistan. Shamar goes for a yorker but ends up bowling it in the slot, around off, Hasan Nawaz comes forward, gets underneath it and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie. What a sensational hit and inning this has been from the debutant. Pakistan need 4 runs only off 10 balls now.

Full and straight, Hussain Talat drills it to long off for one more. Pakistan need 10 off the 11 balls.

WIDE! Full but wide outside off, Hussain Talat shuffles across but leaves it. Called a wide.

12 needed off 12 balls and it will be Shamar Joseph to bowl the all-important penultimate over. Can he conjure up some magic? Also, the ball is being changed as it has gone out of shape.