Lauderhill: Pakistan celebrated a hard-fought 2-1 T20I series victory over the West Indies in Florida, even as key player Fakhar Zaman’s injury cast a shadow over the triumph. Fakhar, an essential part of Pakistan’s batting lineup, sustained a hamstring injury during the second match of the series and was consequently ruled out of the remainder of the white-ball series.
The injury, confirmed by Pakistan, will see Fakhar return home for rehabilitation under the supervision of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. He is scheduled to depart on the evening of August 4 and will not participate in the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies.
Despite Fakhar’s absence, Pakistan showcased a well-rounded team effort throughout the series. Spinner Mohammad Nawaz emerged as a standout performer, earning the Player of the Series accolade with seven wickets at an average of 10. In the final match, Nawaz was among five Pakistani bowlers who secured wickets, contributing to the West Indies’ inability to chase down the visitors’ total of 189/4.
Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub played pivotal roles in setting a strong foundation for Pakistan, scoring 74 and 66 runs, respectively. Their contributions were instrumental in achieving a competitive total after being sent in to bat first by West Indies captain Shai Hope.
While the West Indies displayed resilience with half-centuries from Alick Athanaze and Sherfane Rutherford, Pakistan’s bowling contingent, including Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf, ensured their team’s victory by restricting the hosts’ chase.
The two teams are now set to face off in a three-match ODI series, beginning with the first game in Trinidad on Friday.