The Pakistan tour of the West Indies began with absolute chaos, drama, and one of the wildest finishes imaginable as Pakistan edged past West Indies by just one wicket in a nail-biting first T20 clash at Queen’s Park Oval.

Defending a modest total of 80, West Indies nearly produced an unforgettable comeback after reducing Pakistan to 39/8 during a stunning middle-over collapse. With 17 runs needed in the final over and only one wicket remaining, the match looked firmly in Caribbean control. But Mohammad Nawaz delivered a breathtaking counterattack under pressure to steal victory with one ball remaining.

West Indies’ innings never truly settled despite an explosive start. Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer attacked aggressively early on, but Pakistan’s bowlers struck back relentlessly. Faheem Ashraf ripped through the middle order with a brilliant four-wicket spell, while Shadab Khan suffocated the batting lineup with exceptional control. At one stage, West Indies had collapsed to 46/9 before Roston Chase’s explosive 28 from 13 balls dragged them to 80 all out in 11.5 overs.

Pakistan’s chase started disastrously. Saim Ayub fell for a duck, Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha followed cheaply, and Akeal Hosein tore through the middle order with a sensational spell that left Pakistan reeling at 39/8. The visitors looked completely beaten as wickets continued to tumble against disciplined West Indian bowling.

Then came the defining moment of the match.

Mohammad Nawaz refused to surrender. Calm amid complete panic, he counterattacked with fearless strokeplay, smashing boundaries at crucial moments while the pressure mounted with every delivery. Naseem Shah briefly provided support before falling, leaving Pakistan needing 17 runs in the final over with only Salman Mirza for company.

What followed stunned the crowd.

Nawaz launched an extraordinary assault in the last over, turning a near-certain defeat into an unforgettable escape. Boundaries, smart running, and fearless intent shifted the momentum instantly. Salman Mirza held his nerve perfectly at the other end, and Pakistan crossed the target at 81/9 with just one ball remaining.

Mohammad Nawaz finished unbeaten on a heroic 38 off 21 balls and was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution, having also picked up a wicket earlier in the game.

Despite the defeat, West Indies will take confidence from Akeal Hosein’s sensational four-wicket spell and the fighting spirit shown while defending a tiny total. However, Pakistan now lead the five-match series 1-0 after surviving one of the most dramatic opening encounters in recent memory.

If this match was the beginning of the series, cricket fans can expect absolute madness over the remaining four games.