By Our Web Desk
LAHORE: An inspired Jayden Seales powered the West Indies to a commanding 202-run victory over Pakistan in the third and deciding One-Day International in Trinidad on Tuesday. The fast bowler dismantled Pakistan’s top order with a sensational spell of 6-18, as the visitors collapsed for just 92 in pursuit of a target of 295.
Batting first, the West Indies posted 294-6 in their 50 overs, led by captain Shai Hope’s brilliant unbeaten century. His composed 120* ensured a solid total, capping off a much-needed series win—the Windies’ first ODI series triumph over Pakistan since 1991. The victory was particularly significant following heavy Test and T20 series defeats to Australia earlier in the summer.
“We focus too much on the negatives in West Indies cricket,” said Hope after the match. “There are so many positives to celebrate. It’s great to see the team making history. Seales is a quality bowler—he’s a class act and always ready to step up.”
Pakistan’s innings unraveled early, with Seales removing Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Rizwan in the first three overs to leave them reeling at 8-3. The collapse deepened when Babar Azam was trapped lbw for just nine, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes of clinching the series 2-1.
“Seales made it tough for us—he’s done that all series,” said Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan. “But losing three wickets early on was the real turning point.”
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie chipped in with two wickets in the middle overs before Seales returned to finish off the tail, dismissing Hasan Ali and Naseem Shah to complete a remarkable six-wicket haul. The match concluded when Roston Chase ran out Abrar Ahmed to seal the win.
Earlier, Pakistan had made a strong start with the ball after electing to field. The West Indies struggled initially, with just 68 runs on the board when Keacy Carty was dismissed lbw by Abrar Ahmed for 17. Sherfane Rutherford also failed to fire, crawling to 15 off 40 balls before falling to Ayub.
Chase provided some momentum with a brisk 36 before being bowled by Naseem Shah. Motie soon followed, caught and bowled by Mohammad Nawaz, and the hosts’ innings seemed to be faltering.
However, Hope found a perfect partner in Justin Greaves, and the pair launched a late onslaught—hammering 110 runs in the final 8.1 overs. Hope struck 10 fours and five sixes in his 18th ODI hundred, now trailing only Brian Lara and Chris Gayle in West Indies’ all-time list of ODI centuries. Greaves contributed a quickfire 43* off just 24 balls to propel the total close to 300.
With this dominant win, the West Indies not only clinched the series 2-1 but also sent a strong message of resurgence in their white-ball cricket.
