Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted that his side had control of the match for the first 40 overs, but credit went to the West Indies for turning the game around with outstanding batting. The loss in the series decider marked a historic moment for the Caribbean side, as they sealed their first ODI series win over Pakistan in 34 years.
Rizwan Reflects on the Turning Point
Speaking after the match, Rizwan said Pakistan’s strategy was working well early on.
“For the first 40 overs, the match was in our hands, but then the West Indian batters showed great skill,” Rizwan said.
He singled out Shai Hope for his remarkable unbeaten knock, and admitted Pakistan’s batting collapse after losing three quick wickets derailed their chase.
Praise for West Indies Bowling
Rizwan also lauded the efforts of Jayden Seales, who troubled Pakistan’s batting line-up throughout the series.
“Jayden Seales bowled brilliantly in the entire series,” Rizwan remarked.
The 22-year-old pacer’s aggressive spells and precise line and length proved too much for Pakistan’s batters to handle in the final match.
West Indies Dominate the Decider
In the decisive ODI played on home soil, West Indies posted a competitive total of 294/6 in their 50 overs. Skipper Shai Hope led from the front, scoring a magnificent 120 not out, guiding his side to a strong position.
Pakistan’s chase started poorly, with five batters dismissed for ducks – a rare and unwanted record for the national side. The entire team was bundled out for just 92 runs, falling short by a massive 202-run margin.
Seales and Hope Shine in Historic Win
Fast bowler Jayden Seales was the chief destroyer with the ball, taking 6 wickets for just 18 runs in a devastating spell. His performance dismantled Pakistan’s batting order and ensured a comfortable victory for the hosts.
Shai Hope earned Player of the Match honors for his unbeaten century, while Jayden Seales took home Player of the Series for his outstanding bowling display.
A Rare Triumph for the Caribbean Side
The win marked West Indies’ first ODI series triumph over Pakistan in 34 years, ending a drought that stretched back to 1991. The result will serve as a massive confidence boost for the Caribbean team ahead of upcoming international fixtures, while Pakistan will need to regroup and address their batting vulnerabilities before their next challenge.
