3rd ODI: West Indies defeat Pakistan to win series 2-1

Tarouba: The West Indies wrapped up a historic one-day international series victory over Pakistan on Tuesday with a commanding 202-run win at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, powered by standout performances from Roston Chase, Shai Hope, and Jayden Seales.

Batting first, the hosts posted a formidable 294 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Shai Hope led from the front with a magnificent unbeaten 120, marking his 18th ODI century. He shared an explosive unbroken partnership with Justin Greaves, who hammered 43 not out off just 24 deliveries. The duo added 110 runs in the final 8.1 overs to lift the Windies close to the 300 mark after a mid-innings stumble.

Earlier in the innings, Pakistan’s bowlers had kept things tight. After winning the toss and opting to field, they reduced the West Indies to 68 for 3. Keacy Carty fell lbw to Abrar Ahmed after a scratchy 17 from 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford laboured to 15 off 40 before being dismissed by Saim Ayub. Roston Chase offered some much-needed momentum with a brisk 36, but was bowled by Naseem Shah before Mohammad Nawaz removed Gudakesh Motie with a sharp caught-and-bowled.

However, Hope’s controlled aggression at the death turned the tide. His innings featured 10 boundaries and five towering sixes, placing him behind only legends Brian Lara and Chris Gayle in terms of most ODI hundreds for the Caribbean side.

In response, Pakistan’s chase crumbled under the weight of Jayden Seales’ devastating spell. The young fast bowler ripped through the top order in sensational fashion, claiming 6 wickets for just 18 runs in his first-ever six-wicket haul in ODIs. He struck three times within his opening overs, removing Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Rizwan to leave Pakistan floundering at 8 for 3. He then trapped captain Babar Azam lbw for nine, all but sealing the match before it could properly begin.
Gudakesh Motie chipped in with two wickets in the middle overs, and Seales returned later to polish off the tail, sending back Hasan Ali and Naseem Shah. The game ended when number 11 Abrar Ahmed was run out by Chase, capping off a dominant all-round display by the home side.

The emphatic win not only secured the match but also clinched the series 2-1, giving the West Indies their first ODI series triumph over Pakistan in 34 years. It also served as a bright spot in a tough summer that saw them heavily beaten by Australia in both Test and T20 formats.

Reflecting on the performance, Shai Hope emphasized the importance of focusing on the positives. "In the West Indies, we often dwell too much on the negatives," he said. "But this series has given us a lot to celebrate. It's been incredible to see the team come together and make history." He reserved special praise for Seales, calling him a "class act" who never hesitates to take responsibility.

Rizwan, standing in as captain for Pakistan, admitted that Seales’ early burst left his team with little chance. “He made things very difficult, as he has throughout the series. But those first few overs cost us the game.”

With the series in the bag and history made, the West Indies now turn their attention to building on this momentum and rediscovering their stature on the global stage.