Pakistan defeated the West Indies by 13 runs in a high-scoring third T20I at Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday (Aug 3) to capture the three-match series 2-1. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan set the tone early with a 138-run opening stand. With 66 from 49, Ayub held tight as Farhan smacked 74 off 53 balls.
As the West Indies crumbled under duress, Pakistan maintained composure in the closing overs and achieved a formidable score of 189/4. Pakistan came back strong to win the series on American soil after losing the second Twenty20 International in a close match.
Ayub, Farhan Lead With the Bat
Pakistan chose to bat first after winning the toss. Their choice paid off right away. Farhan’s 74-run blitz included three fours and five sixes. With a calm behaviour, Ayub supported the innings for 19 overs. His 66 included two sixes and four boundaries.
The opening duo frustrated West Indies’ bowlers before Farhan fell to Shamar Joseph, caught by skipper Shai Hope in the 17th over. Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris added minimal runs. Nawaz made 15 before Roston Chase dismissed him. Haris was run out for two, and Ayub finally departed on the last ball of the 19th over, caught by Rutherford off Jason Holder.
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West Indies Falter in Chase Despite Early Charge
Chasing 190, the West Indies began aggressively, scoring 30 runs off the first 10 deliveries from Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz. Jewel Andrew struck 24 but fell to Haris Rauf, caught by Hasan Ali at long on. Hope managed only seven before Nawaz dismissed him in the ninth over.
Alick Athanaze kept West Indies in the game with a 60-run knock. He lasted 13 overs before Ayub dismissed him—caught by Khushdil Shah with West Indies on 110.
Chase fell in the 17th over, and two balls later, Holder—hero of the previous match—was bowled by Sufiyan Muqeem for a duck. The hosts needed 41 off 16 at that point. Rutherford raised hopes with a six to complete his fifty, but got out for 51. The West Indies fell short again.
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Is Lauderhill the Future of West Indies Cricket?
While players delivered a thrilling finale, the real question now lies off the pitch. Should more high-profile matches shift to Lauderhill, Florida?
The stadium saw a packed crowd, strong local support, and broadcast-friendly time zones. West Indies cricket has struggled with fan turnout in traditional venues. But in Florida, it found energy, atmosphere, and revenue.
This series may mark more than a win for Pakistan—it may be a turning point for where the West Indies plays its future T20S. Cricket in America is growing. Lauderhill may just be the pitch Caribbean cricket needs.
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Takeaways &Turning Points
Pakistan’s series win reflects the depth in their squad and the rise of young talents like Ayub. For the West Indies, the loss will sting, especially after a narrow win in the second T20I.
But more importantly, the sport’s presence in the US continues to rise. This match didn’t just close a series—it opened a window to cricket’s evolving geography.
