The West Indies ended a 34-year losing streak with a resounding 202-run series-clinching triumph over Pakistan in Trinidad on Tuesday.
Skipper Shai Hope batted undefeated for 120 to help the West Indies score 294/6, and pacer Jayden Seales took six wickets in response as Pakistan were bowled out for only 92, securing the home team a 2-1 series victory.
It was the West Indies' first bilateral ODI series win over Pakistan since November 1991, and it will provide the team with plenty of confidence as they attempt to earn a berth in the next edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027, after failing to qualify for the most recent competition in India in 2023.
The West Indies appeared in difficulty when Gudakesh Motie fell for five in the 42nd over, bringing the score to 184/6, but Hope and Justin Greaves (43 not out) batted well, including some late hard shots, to guarantee the hosts set a good total at Brian Lara Stadium.
It was Hope's 18th ODI century of his career, bringing him past former great Desmond Haynes (17) and into third place for the most ODI centuries by a West Indies male player, with only Chris Gayle (25) and Brian Lara (19) ahead of him.
Seales then destroyed Pakistan's top order to leave the visitors reeling at 23/4 before returning at the conclusion to mop up the tail and finish with the third greatest numbers (6/18) by a West Indies bowler in the history of men's ODI cricket.
It was also the West Indies' fourth-largest win (in terms of runs) in men's ODI cricket, and Hope stated that his team had many positives to take away from the game and the series.
We had a full game, and I am very glad of us for defeating Pakistan after such a long time, according to Hope.
We focus heavily on the negatives in the Caribbean, and there are so many positives to celebrate, so it was wonderful to watch the lads make history.
Seales was named Player of the Series after taking 10 wickets in three games, and Hope hailed the young bowler.
Seales is a superb bowler... he's a class act. He raises his hands whenever you ask him to do something. He shines in all platforms, according to Hope.
