Calcutta: West Indies started their home series against Pakistan on a high by winning a one off T20 international, at St Lucia, on Thursday.

Leg spinner Devendra Bishoo captured four wickets while Lendl Simmons composed a fluent 65 to help the hosts win by seven runs. Umar Akmal led the way with 41, Asad Shafiq made 25, and Saeed Ajmal scored 21 not out as Pakistan were restricted to 143 for nine in their 20 overs, chasing 151 for victory at the Beausejour Cricket Ground, Thursday.

“I think the pitch was good for batsmen, and I don’t know why we missed this opportunity to win this match,” said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.

“We are not building any partnerships. This is what has been missing for us for a few months.

“Bishoo bowled really well, and all their bowlers delivered in the right areas,” he added.

The visitor’s batting was undermined chiefly by Bishoo, whose four wickets for 17 runs earned him the Man of the Match award. “The jump from domestic cricket to international cricket is a big difference,” said Bishoo.

“You have to be far more containing because the batsmen take good balls and turn them into bad balls. The pitch was a good pitch and I felt it would slide onto the bat,” he added.

It turned out to be a memorable T20 debut for the youngster. “I want to be a great cricketer for the West Indies. I don’t want to be just a regular cricketer in the West Indies team. I dream of great things and being great,” he said after the match.

The leggie said he is enjoying all formats of the game and wants to transform himself into a better player. “I want to be able to play all three formats of the game. This is my first match for the West Indies in the Caribbean and it feels great to win for the fans. This is a great feeling.

“They (fans) supported us and showed us love from when we arrived (in St Lucia). It was good to play the way we did and give the supporters something to celebrate,” said the 25-year-old tweaker.