History was made at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, as the West Indies cricket team clinched their first bilateral ODI series victory over Pakistan in 34 years with a resounding 202-run triumph on August 12, 2025. This monumental win not only ended a decades-long drought but also delivered a much-needed morale boost for Caribbean cricket after a string of recent setbacks in the Test and T20 formats.
The three-match ODI series, played from August 8 to August 12, had all the makings of a classic, with both teams coming in with points to prove. The West Indies, led by captain Shai Hope, were searching for redemption after being whitewashed by Pakistan in 2022 and suffering eight consecutive defeats to Australia earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Pakistan, bolstered by the return of stars Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, aimed to continue their dominance after their previous 3-0 series sweep.
But it was the Men in Maroon who seized the moment. After losing the series opener by five wickets, West Indies rallied to win the second match, setting up a high-stakes decider that would etch new names into the record books. The drama and anticipation were palpable as fans packed the Brian Lara Stadium, eager to witness a potential turning point in West Indies cricket history.
The West Indies' resurgence was fueled in part by a two-day emergency summit for Caribbean cricket held just days earlier. Attended by legends Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd, the summit was a response to the team's dismal showing in Australia, where they were bowled out for a mere 27 runs in the third Test. With the pressure mounting, the summit aimed to chart a new course for the team and reignite the region's cricketing spirit.
On the decisive day, captain Shai Hope led from the front with a masterful, unbeaten 120 off 94 balls. His innings, laced with five sixes and ten fours, provided the backbone for the West Indies' imposing total of 294-6. Hope found a crucial ally in Justin Greaves, who hammered 43 not out from just 24 deliveries. Together, they forged an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership of 110 runs, shifting the momentum firmly in favor of the hosts. The crowd roared with every boundary, sensing that something special was unfolding.
"I'm extremely proud of the team," Hope said after the match. "There's been a lot of stress on negatives in the game but now there's positives to shout about for West Indies cricket." The sense of relief and pride was evident, not just among the players but across the Caribbean cricket community.
Pakistan, chasing a daunting target, never found their footing. The top order collapsed spectacularly, with three ducks among the first four batsmen—including captain Mohammad Rizwan, who fell for a golden duck to a searing delivery from Jayden Seales. Saim Ayub was caught behind early, Abdullah Shafique was dismissed cheaply, and Babar Azam was trapped lbw for just 9 runs. The Pakistani innings unraveled quickly, with only Salman Agha offering any resistance, scoring 30 off 49 balls before falling to the relentless West Indies attack.
The real star of the day, however, was 23-year-old pacer Jayden Seales. Delivering a spell for the ages, Seales tore through the Pakistani lineup, finishing with career-best figures of 6 wickets for 18 runs in 7.2 overs. His devastating performance was not only the third-best ODI bowling return ever by a West Indian—trailing only Winston Davis' 7/51 against Australia in 1983 and Colin Croft's 6/15 against England in 1981—but also the best figures ever recorded against Pakistan in ODIs. Seales' haul included the scalps of Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Ali, leaving Pakistan reeling at 92 all out in just 29.2 overs.
Reflecting on his performance, Seales credited his coaches and the team's analytical approach. "The analyst and the bowling coach just showed me the line which works in ODI cricket. I am working on it. We wanted to keep the stumps in play. The pitch was a little up and down. Especially in ODI cricket, I have learnt the length to bowl on," Seales explained after being named Player of the Series. He finished the series with 10 wickets at an average of 10, a remarkable achievement for the young quick who has already made a name for himself in Test cricket with 88 wickets at 22.32.
The magnitude of the win cannot be overstated. Not only was it West Indies' largest-ever ODI victory over Pakistan, but it also marked a dramatic reversal of fortunes for a team that had been written off by many. The unbroken stand between Hope and Greaves, coupled with Seales' six-wicket demolition, underscored the depth of talent and resilience within the squad.
The tactical changes made by the West Indies coaching staff paid dividends. The decision to recall Romario Shepherd and trust in young talents like Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades, as well as the late inclusion of pacer Johann Layne to replace the injured Matthew Forde, showcased the team's commitment to blending experience with youth. The series also saw strong leadership from Hope, whose calm presence and aggressive batting were instrumental in steadying the ship after early setbacks.
For Pakistan, the series was a sobering reminder of the challenges of touring the Caribbean. Despite the return of experienced campaigners like Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi, the visitors struggled to adapt to the conditions and the relentless pressure applied by the West Indies bowlers. Hasan Nawaz, the only uncapped player in the squad, found the going tough against a fired-up West Indies side determined to make history.
Fans across the globe tuned in to watch the drama unfold, with broadcasts available on ESPN in the Caribbean, Tapmad in Pakistan, Fancode in India, TNT Sports 1 in the UK, and ESPN+ in the USA. The excitement generated by the series win is likely to reignite interest in West Indies cricket, both at home and abroad.
The West Indies now hold a slight edge in their ODI head-to-head record against Pakistan, with 71 wins to Pakistan's 63, and three matches ending in ties. This latest victory will be cherished by players and supporters alike as a symbol of hope and renewal for Caribbean cricket.
As the dust settles on this historic series, the mood in the West Indies camp is one of optimism. With the lessons learned from recent defeats and the momentum gained from this landmark victory, the Men in Maroon will look to build on their success and reclaim their place among cricket’s elite. For now, the celebrations will continue—after all, it’s not every day that a 34-year wait is ended in such emphatic fashion.
