West Indies have ended a three-decade-long drought with a historic 2–1 ODI series triumph over Pakistan, their first such victory since 1991. The landmark win, sealed in the decider at the Kensington Oval, was built on the brilliance of captain Shai Hope and young fast bowler Jayden Seales, whose performances etched their names into Caribbean cricket history.
In the decisive third ODI, Hope showcased why he is regarded as one of the most dependable modern-day ODI batters. Coming in at a tricky stage, the skipper played with authority and calm, scoring an unbeaten 120 from 94 balls. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression—ten boundaries and five towering sixes lifted West Indies from a cautious start to a commanding total of 294 for 6. Partnering with Justin Greaves, who smashed an unbeaten 43 off just 24 balls, Hope added over a hundred runs in the final overs, ensuring Pakistan faced an imposing chase.
If Hope’s bat set the tone, Seales’ ball sealed the deal. The young pacer ripped through Pakistan’s batting order with a devastating spell of 6 for 18, his best ODI figures and one of the finest in West Indies history. He dismantled the top order inside the first powerplay, removing Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam with pace, movement, and relentless accuracy. Pakistan never recovered, folding for just 92 runs in 23 overs, handing West Indies a colossal 202-run victory.
This series was not only about two match-winners. Roston Chase provided crucial stability in the middle overs, Gudakesh Motie chipped in with timely wickets, and Greaves’ late-innings fireworks amplified the team’s momentum. It was a collective statement that West Indies, often written off in recent years, still possess the firepower and unity to compete with the best.
The significance of this win goes beyond numbers. It ends a 34-year streak of ODI series defeats against Pakistan, revives belief among players and fans, and offers a timely boost as West Indies prepare for the next ICC tournament cycle. With Hope’s consistency at the helm and Seales emerging as a genuine strike weapon, the Caribbean side now has the blueprint for success in the 50-over format.
For the West Indies, this victory is more than just a series result—it’s a declaration. After years of inconsistency, they have shown they can combine experience with youthful exuberance to topple strong opponents. The celebrations in Barbados weren’t just for a series win; they were for the revival of pride in the maroon jersey, a reminder that the Caribbean rhythm in cricket still beats strong.