West Indies win first ODI series vs Pakistan in 34 years

In a historic moment for Caribbean cricket, the West Indies have clinched their first One Day International (ODI) series victory over Pakistan in 34 years. The milestone came after a dominating performance in the third and final match, where the Windies crushed Pakistan by a massive margin of 202 runs.

The star of the day was West Indies captain Shai Hope, whose unbeaten 120 was a masterclass in composure and precision. Opening the innings, Hope played the anchor role to perfection, blending classic strokes with aggressive shot selection when needed. His century, laced with well-timed boundaries, ensured the hosts posted an imposing total that proved far beyond Pakistan’s reach.

From the very start, the West Indies looked determined to seal the series in style. Batting first, they set a commanding target, with contributions from the top and middle order building on Hope’s steady foundation. The run rate surged in the final overs as lower-order hitters capitalized on tired Pakistani bowling, pushing the score well past the psychological pressure mark.

Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum. The West Indian bowlers, led by their pace attack and backed by sharp fielding, tore through the top order. Pakistan’s middle order offered brief resistance but crumbled under relentless pressure. Wickets fell in clusters, and the visitors were bowled out far short of the target, sealing one of the heaviest defeats in recent bilateral series between the two sides.

For the West Indies, this victory means more than just a series win—it’s a symbolic reclaiming of pride against an opponent that had dominated them in ODIs for over three decades. Their last series triumph over Pakistan came in 1991, and since then, Pakistan had maintained the upper hand in head-to-head contests. Breaking that streak on home soil adds extra sweetness to the achievement.

Shai Hope’s leadership has been central to the team’s resurgence. His calm presence, both as a batsman and captain, has given the side a renewed sense of direction. He praised the collective effort of the squad, particularly the bowlers, for executing plans with discipline and intensity.

For Pakistan, the defeat will spark serious questions about form and consistency ahead of upcoming assignments. Their batting lineup’s inability to handle pressure and adapt to match situations was glaring in the final ODI. Bowling discipline, too, was an issue, as they allowed the West Indies to accelerate in crucial phases.

This series result is likely to boost West Indies’ confidence heading into future tournaments and qualifiers. With a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent, the Caribbean side will hope to build on this momentum and regain their once-feared reputation in world cricket.

The cricket world, meanwhile, will remember this as the day the West Indies finally ended a 34-year wait, with Shai Hope’s unbeaten 120 standing as the defining image of a historic victory.