Historic Triumph for West Indies
The West Indies have defeated Pakistan in a One Day International (ODI) series for the first time in 34 years, securing a commanding 202-run victory in the third and final match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
The win gave the home side a 2–1 series triumph, breaking a decades-long drought against Pakistan in bilateral ODI contests. The last time West Indies achieved such a feat was in 1991.
West Indies Set Challenging Target
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and elected to field first. However, the West Indies made full use of the batting-friendly pitch, scoring 294 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 50 overs.
Skipper Shai Hope anchored the innings with a masterful unbeaten 120 off 94 deliveries. His knock featured precise shot selection and a calm approach under pressure. Middle-order batter Justin Greaves added crucial acceleration, smashing 43 runs off just 24 balls, helping the team post a formidable total.
From Pakistan’s bowling side, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed each claimed two wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub took one apiece. Despite occasional breakthroughs, Pakistan failed to maintain consistent pressure.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapses Dramatically
In reply, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed in one of their heaviest defeats in ODI history. The entire team was dismissed for just 92 runs in 24.4 overs.
The top order crumbled early. Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Abdullah Shafique all fell without scoring, while star batter Babar Azam managed only nine runs before being dismissed.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha top-scored with 30 runs, followed by Mohammad Nawaz with 23. No other batter reached double figures, reflecting the scale of the collapse.
Searing Pace and Clinical Bowling from West Indies
West Indies pacer Jayden Seales delivered a career-best performance, taking six wickets for just 19 runs. His pace, bounce, and movement proved too much for Pakistan’s batters to handle.
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie contributed with two wickets, while Roston Chase picked up one. The relentless bowling attack ensured that Pakistan never came close to recovering from their early setbacks.
Shai Hope was named Player of the Match for his century, while Seales earned the Player of the Series award for his consistent bowling throughout the three games.
Series Context and Significance
The victory is a significant morale boost for the West Indies, who have struggled for consistency in ODI cricket in recent years. Earlier in the series, Pakistan clinched the opener with a five-wicket win, setting up what became an intense contest. Their last series win over Pakistan came more than three decades ago, during an era dominated by legends like Viv Richards and Malcolm Marshall.
For Pakistan, the result raises questions ahead of their upcoming fixtures. The team had entered the series with high expectations following recent wins against lower-ranked sides, but their batting vulnerability against pace was once again exposed.
Looking Ahead
The West Indies will hope to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming ODI assignments and the ICC Champions Trophy next year. Pakistan, meanwhile, face urgent decisions about their batting order and approach, particularly in conditions where early wickets can tilt the game quickly.
With both teams aiming for stability ahead of major tournaments, this series will be remembered as a turning point — one for resurgence, the other for reassessment.
