In a commanding performance that lit up the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, West Indies dismantled Pakistan to secure their first bilateral ODI series win over them since 1991. The home side’s 202-run triumph was not just their largest-ever victory against Pakistan in the format, but also a symbolic statement that Caribbean cricket still has the firepower to dominate the world stage.
Captain Shai Hope was the anchor and engine of the innings, producing a masterful unbeaten 120 off 112 balls. His innings blended control with aggression, featuring 10 crisp boundaries and five towering sixes. Hope’s knock not only pushed West Indies to a formidable total but also propelled him past Desmond Haynes into third place for the most ODI centuries by a West Indian, now trailing only Chris Gayle and Brian Lara. Partnering him in the late overs, Justin Greaves provided the perfect foil, smashing a rapid 43 not out. Their 110-run partnership in just over eight overs turned a competitive score into a match-defining total of 294 for 6.
The momentum carried straight into the bowling innings as Jayden Seales unleashed a devastating opening spell. Exploiting every bit of movement, he tore through Pakistan’s top order with surgical precision, finishing with career-best figures of 6 for 18. His pace and accuracy left Pakistan reeling at 23 for 4, a position from which they never recovered. The visitors eventually folded for just 92 in under 30 overs, registering one of their heaviest ODI defeats in history.
This victory carries significance beyond the scoreline. For West Indies, it ends a frustrating 34-year wait for an ODI series win over Pakistan, reaffirming their ability to compete at the highest level despite recent struggles in all formats. The win also highlights the blend of seasoned campaigners like Hope and emerging match-winners like Seales, offering a blueprint for the team’s revival.
For Pakistan, the loss was sobering. Their batting unit crumbled under pressure, exposing weaknesses in technique and temperament. With a packed international calendar ahead, the defeat demands urgent reassessment of strategies and personnel.
As the celebrations echoed through Trinidad, the result served as both a reminder of West Indies’ proud cricketing heritage and a glimpse of a potential resurgence. If the squad can sustain this level of performance, the 202-run demolition of Pakistan may be remembered not just as an end to a drought, but as the spark of a new golden era.