Jason Holder’s all-round brilliance powered West Indies to a heart-stopping two-wicket win over Pakistan in a thrilling T20 international, leveling the three-match series in Florida. The veteran allrounder claimed 4-19 to restrict Pakistan to 133-9, then smashed a boundary off Shahid Shah Afridi’s final ball to clinch victory on Saturday.

Pakistan, opting to bat after winning the toss, struggled against Holder’s inspired bowling, slipping to 53-4 by the 10th over. Hasan Nawaz’s brisk 40 off 23 and Salman Agha’s steady 38 off 33 lifted them to a modest total, but it seemed vulnerable. Mohammad Nawaz, fresh from a three-wicket haul in Pakistan’s 14-run win in the series opener, took 3-14 to keep West Indies under pressure on a spin-friendly pitch.

West Indies’ chase faltered early, sinking to 70-5 by the 14th over after Roston Chase’s dismissal. However, late cameos from Gudakesh Motie (28 off 20) and Romario Shepherd (15 off 11) reignited hope. Shepherd’s 10 runs off Hasan Ali’s penultimate over set the stage for Holder’s heroics. Needing three off Afridi’s final ball, Holder found the gap at backward square, ending West Indies’ six-match T20 losing streak.

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“We’ve faced fair criticism for not meeting our potential,” said Holder, named player-of-the-match. Captain Shai Hope added, “It’s been tough, but this could be our turnaround.” The series decider is set for Sunday in Lauderhill, followed by an ODI series in the Caribbean.

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