Today in Tarouba, Pakistan squares off against West Indies in the deciding match of the ODI series
In a dramatic turn of events, the West Indies have secured a historic series victory over Pakistan in the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, ending a 34-year drought against their rivals.
The series began on a positive note for Pakistan, with a victory in the first ODI. However, the West Indies bounced back strongly, winning the second ODI by 155 runs, based on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, in a rain-affected match. The third and final ODI, held today at Trinidad and Tobago, saw the West Indies clinch the series with a convincing 202-run victory.
In the third ODI, the West Indies scored a formidable 294 for 6 in their 50 overs at the Brian Lara Stadium. Shai Hope was the star of the innings, scoring 94 runs off 94 balls with five sixes and 10 fours. He formed an unbroken 110-run stand for the seventh wicket with Justin Greaves, who remained 43 not out off 24 balls.
In response, Pakistan struggled, being bowled out for just 92 runs in 29.2 overs. Jason J. Seales was outstanding with the ball, taking 6 wickets for 18 runs in 7.2 overs, including early strikes that reduced Pakistan to 23-4. Pakistan's top four batsmen, including captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, struggled, with three ducks in the innings. Salman Agha was the highest scorer for Pakistan with 30 runs.
The defeat marked a disappointing end to the series for Pakistan, who had won the preceding T20I series against the West Indies 2-1 last week. Despite expectations for Babar Azam to score big to shake off his poor form, he was dismissed cheaply in the second ODI, bowled by Jayden Seales for 0 off 3 balls.
The series win is a significant achievement for the West Indies, marking their first series victory over Pakistan in 34 years. The West Indies will undoubtedly celebrate this historic victory, while Pakistan will look to regroup and focus on future competitions.
The match will start at 6:30 in the evening, according to Radio Pakistan. The third ODI was affected by rain intervals, but the West Indies successfully chased a target of 181 off 35 overs, with Roston Chase and Justin Greaves putting on an unbeaten 77-run stand off 72 balls. Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat made valuable thirties for Pakistan in the third ODI.
In the second ODI, Abrar Ahmed returned figures of 1-23 from 7 overs, while Mohammad Nawaz and Hasan Ali took two wickets each. Chase was named Player of the match in the second ODI. The series concludes today, with the West Indies securing a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Pakistan.
Art enthusiasts might find solace in the fact that the news cycle has moved past sports, temporarily, as the West Indies' historic series victory over Pakistan in the One-Day International series has dominated headlines. In the midst of this, Pakistan's original plan to send talented artist Banksy to create a live painting centered around the series was shelved, as the focus shifted towards assessing the team's performance and strategizing for future sports events.
