Islamabad: The West Indies secured a historic 2-1 one-day international series win over Pakistan on Tuesday in Trinidad, marking their first triumph against the Asian side since 1991. The Caribbean team’s 202-run victory in the decisive third ODI ended a 34-year wait for series success against Pakistan.
Captain Shai Hope anchored the West Indies’ innings with an undefeated 120, guiding his team to a total of 294/6. Hope’s knock, his 18th ODI century, propelled him past Desmond Haynes into third place on the West Indies’ all-time ODI century list, trailing only Chris Gayle and Brian Lara. A late partnership between Hope and Justin Greaves (43 not out) proved crucial after the West Indies had slumped to 184/6.
Pacer Jayden Seales then decimated Pakistan’s batting lineup, claiming 6/18 – the third-best bowling figures by a West Indies bowler in ODI history. Seales’ devastating spell left Pakistan reeling at 23/4 early on, and he returned later to dismantle the tail, ultimately dismissing them for a paltry 92. The dominant performance marked the West Indies’ fourth-largest victory by runs in ODIs.
Hope expressed immense pride in the historic achievement. “We had a complete game,” he remarked, emphasizing the positive aspects of the win and the series. This victory offers a significant boost to the West Indies’ confidence as they strive to qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup after failing to reach the 2023 edition in India.
Seales, named Player of the Series for his 10 wickets across the three matches, earned high praise from his captain. Hope lauded the young fast bowler as a “class act” and a versatile asset across all formats.