LAUDERHILL, Florida (AFP)
Jason Holder delivered a sensational all-round performance to lead the West Indies to a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second T20 International on Saturday, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

With scores tied and one ball remaining, Holder calmly struck the final delivery to the boundary, sealing the win for the home side in front of an electrified crowd at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium.

The former captain’s heroics didn’t end with the bat. Earlier in the match, Holder claimed four wickets to surpass Dwayne Bravo’s all-time West Indies T20I record, reaching a new milestone of 81 career wickets.

Holder finished unbeaten on 16 runs, anchoring a tense finish that ended the West Indies’ recent run of T20 losses.

Pakistan, having secured a 14-run victory in Thursday’s opening match, will now look to regroup for the series decider on Sunday night, again under the lights in Lauderhill.

West Indies, set 134 to win, was on the brink of a seventh consecutive T20 defeat after having been swept 5-0 last month by visiting Australia.

Gudakesh Motie led West Indies with 28 runs but went down on the first ball of the 17th over, run out by Mohammed Haris with the hosts on 96 for six.

Haris caught Keacy Carty for a duck three balls later but Holder swatted a six to end the 18th over, West Indies still needing 24 to win.

Romario Shepherd smashed a six and a four off Hasan Ali in the 19th over to leave West Indies on 126 for seven entering the final over.

Shaheen Shah Afridi allowed Holder a run but then took Shepherd’s wicket lbw for 15. He allowed newcomer Shamar Joseph a run that pulled West Indies within six runs with three balls remaining.

Holder and Joseph each struck for singles and Afridi went wide to Holder, leaving West Indies three runs shy for the final delivery, setting the stage for Holder’s heroics.

Pakistan won the toss and batted first, going 133 for nine.

Hasan Nawaz led Pakistan on 40 with four sixes and a four while captain Salman Agha added 38 on one six and three fours.