TAROUBA, Trinidad & Tobago – In a moment of cricketing history, the West Indies broke a 34-year-old streak by securing their first-ever ODI series victory against Pakistan since 1991, triumphing at the Brian Lara Stadium on Tuesday.
The hosts chased glory with a commanding performance, posting a challenging total of 294-6 in their allotted 50 overs before dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup for just 92 runs in 29.2 overs.
Pakistan Struggle in Chase
Set a daunting 295-run target, Pakistan’s batting collapsed under intense West Indian pressure. The visitors failed to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals, and were bowled out in less than 30 overs.
West Indies’ Innings: Hope Anchors, Greaves Finishes Strong
Opting to bat first, West Indies faced early challenges as opener Brandon King fell cheaply for the third time in the series, dismissed for just 5 in the second over. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight lines, restricting the run flow in the powerplay, leaving the hosts at 35-1 after 10 overs.
Evin Lewis showed some resistance, striking three sixes and a four in his 37-run knock from 54 balls, but was caught shortly after attacking Hussain Talat in the 14th over. Keacy Carty’s slow 17 off 45 deliveries further tested West Indies’ scoring momentum before Abrar Ahmed claimed his wicket.
The innings turned when Shai Hope stepped up, building key partnerships to revive the scoreboard. His 45-run stand with Sherfane Rutherford (15 off 40 balls) steadied the innings before a quick 64-run partnership with Roston Chase (36 off 29 balls) gave the innings fresh momentum.
At 184-6 in the 42nd over, West Indies needed a strong finish—and they got it. Hope, alongside Justin Greaves, unleashed a destructive unbeaten 110-run stand off just 50 balls. Greaves hammered 43 from 24 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and two sixes to lift the total to 294.
Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah were the pick of the bowlers, each taking two wickets. However, they lacked the support needed to contain the West Indies’ late onslaught.
A Historic Moment
With this victory, West Indies not only clinched the series but also ended a decades-long drought against Pakistan in ODI cricket. For the Caribbean side, it’s a statement of resurgence; for Pakistan, a reminder of the work needed to bounce back.