Magnificent Mohammed inspires West Indies
Jason Mohammed hit a brilliant 91 from 58 deliveries as West Indies drew first blood against Pakistan in Guyana.
Jason Mohammed's remarkable display with the bat secured a four-wicket victory for West Indies against Pakistan in the opening one-day international in Guyana.
Mohammad struck 91 from 58 deliveries as the Windies successfully chased down Pakistan's 308-5 with six balls remaining at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan's score seemed likely to be too much for the hosts when Mohammed came to the crease in the 33rd over, with the Windies 158-3.
Nevertheless, Mohammed made light work of Pakistan's inept bowling attack, helping the West Indies secure their highest-ever successful ODI run chase.
Mohammad Amir (2-59) and Shadab Khan (2-52) claimed two wickets apiece for the Pakistanis in the opener of the three-game series.
With automatic qualification for the ICC World Cup set at eight teams, the win represents a boost for West Indies - currently ranked in ninth place.
If the West Indies win all three ODIs, they will leapfrog their visitors to eighth position less than six months before the September 30 cut-off date for automatic World Cup qualification.
With a number of star players including Kieron Pollard and Carlos Brathwaite absent due to the Indian Premier League, a depleted West Indies won the toss, electing to bowl first.
Pakistan's openers impressed with the bat as they eased into proceedings - with 15 overs having passed before Kamran Akmal (47) was caught out just shy of his half-century, falling victim to Jason Holder (1-58).
In a strange move, Mohammad Hafeez came out ahead of Babar Azam at three, but that change paid dividends as the 36-year-old hit 88, helping Pakistan past 300 as Windies bowler Ashley Nurse starred with 4-62.
Despite Chadwick Walton falling to a Wahab Riaz catch early on, the West Indies settled in response - Lewis (47) and Powell (61) methodically working their way through the overs.
Powell's stand came to an end in the 33rd over, Riaz following up his earlier catch with a teasing slower ball that the Windies batsman struck straight into the hands of Kamran Akmal.
But with Powell's dismissal came Mohammed's entrance, and the 30-year-old took advantage of slack bowling to power to his half-century in just 31 deliveries.
Despite taking three more wickets, Pakistan could not find a way to oust Mohammed, who proceeded to accumulate 11 fours and three sixes en route to victory.
