West Indies Edge Pakistan in Last-Ball Thriller to Break Losing Streak

The West Indies finally snapped their long losing streak with a dramatic last-ball victory against Pakistan in the second T20I of the series. Chasing a modest 134-run target, Jason Holder sealed the win with a boundary off the final delivery, giving the hosts a two-wicket win and leveling the series.

Coming into this match, the Caribbean side had suffered a dismal run—losing all three Tests and all five T20Is against Australia, followed by a defeat in the first T20I against Pakistan. A loss on Sunday in Lauderhill would have handed the series to Salman Ali Agha’s team, but Holder and Shai Hope kept the series alive with a gritty win.

Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan crumbled early, losing three wickets for just 24 runs in the powerplay. Saim Ayub, the hero of the previous match, managed only 7 runs. Shahibzada Farhan (3) and Mohammad Haris (4) followed him back quickly. Fakhar Zaman showed brief resistance with 20 off 19 balls but couldn’t carry on.

Pakistan

The only significant partnership came from captain Salman Agha (38 off 33) and Hasan Nawaz, who smashed a quick 40 off 23 deliveries, hitting 1 four and 4 sixes. Other batters failed to reach double digits. Jason Holder was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets, while Gudakesh Motie chipped in with 2.

West Indies‘ chase began shakily as opener Alick Athanaze departed for just 7. The innings saw little momentum, with wickets falling regularly. The hosts were 7 down before reaching 100. They needed 36 runs off the final 19 balls, which Holder and Romario Shepherd delivered under pressure.

Gudakesh Motie top-scored for West Indies with 28 off 20 balls. Holder added a crucial 16 off 10, and Shepherd contributed 15 off 11. Earlier, captain Shai Hope scored a slow 21 from 30 balls.

In a tense finish, West Indies needed 4 runs off the last ball. A wide from Shaheen Afridi reduced it to 3. Holder calmly drove the next delivery for four, securing the win. For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz took 3 wickets, while Saim Ayub picked up 2.

This victory not only ended West Indies’ winless run but also set up a decider in the final match of the series.