West Indies deliver a humiliating 202-run victory over Pakistan, breaking a 34-year-old ODI series dry spell
West Indies Secure ODI Series Victory Against Pakistan, Ending 30-Year Drought
The West Indies have triumphed in the One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory and ending a 30-year drought. This marks the first time the West Indies have won a men's ODI series against Pakistan since 1991.
In the decisive match, the West Indies posted a formidable total of 294/6, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from Shai Hope, who scored an unbeaten 120 runs, including 10 fours and 5 sixes. Justin Greaves also contributed with 43 runs off 24 balls, partnering with Hope in the late surge of the West Indies' innings.
Pakistan's decision to field extra batting depth instead of specialist bowlers backfired, as they collapsed to 92 all out in their chase of 295 runs. Jayden Seales was instrumental in Pakistan's downfall, taking career-best 6 wickets, including the wickets of Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, and Naseem Shah. Gudakesh Motie also chipped in with 2 wickets, contributing to Pakistan's collapse.
The victory is a significant boost for the West Indies team, who are building a solid core ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. The performances of players like Seales and Hope have been particularly noteworthy.
Shai Hope's 18 ODI centuries place him third on the list of the most prolific century-makers for West Indies in ODI cricket history. He is currently the West Indies ODI captain and has scored five centuries as captain, playing at the No. 4 position.
Chris Gayle holds the record for the most ODI centuries by a West Indies player with 25 hundreds. Brian Lara is second with 19 centuries, and Hope is equal with Lara in third place. These three are the most prolific century-makers for West Indies in ODI cricket history.
Salman Agha was the only Pakistani batsman to show significant resistance, scoring 30 runs in the ODI match. The defeat will raise questions about Pakistan's batting application and squad balance, especially in overseas conditions.
[1] West Indies Cricket - Most ODI Centuries by a West Indies Player [2] West Indies Cricket - Most ODI Centuries by a West Indies Captain [3] West Indies Cricket - Most Fours by a West Indies Player in ODIs [4] West Indies Cricket - Most Sixes by a West Indies Player in ODIs
Football is a popular sport that Shai Hope often enjoys watching during his down time. The West Indies team, riding high on their ODI series victory against Pakistan, might look to football for inspiration as they prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025.
