In a display of resolute batting and leadership, Shai Hope orchestrated a commanding performance in the third One-Day International (ODI) against Pakistan on August 12, 2025, at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. As captain and wicket-keeper, Shai Hope‘s unbeaten 120 not only anchored West Indies to a formidable total but also dismantled Pakistan’s chase, culminating in a resounding 202-run victory. This triumph sealed a 2-1 series for West Indies, marking their first bilateral ODI series win against Pakistan in 34 years.
The match unfolded under clear skies, with Pakistan electing to bowl first after winning the toss. Early wickets tested the hosts, but Hope’s arrival at the crease steadied the innings. Building partnerships with the middle order, he accelerated in the latter stages, forging an unbeaten 110-run stand with Justin Greaves in just 8.1 overs at a blistering run rate of 13.46—the second-highest for a century partnership in West Indies’ ODI history where ball-faced data is available. Hope’s knock, scored off 94 balls with 10 fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 127.67, propelled West Indies to 294/6 in 50 overs. His late blitz, particularly in the final eight overs where 110 runs were amassed, transformed a potentially modest score into an imposing target, especially in the absence of Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Afridi.
Captain’s knock by Shai Hope in the decider against Pakistan 👊#WIvPAK 📝: https://t.co/D8JtqrcBQY pic.twitter.com/5qNY8HOriz
— ICC (@ICC) August 12, 2025
Pakistan’s terrible batting performance
Pakistan’s response was dismal, collapsing to 92 all out in 29.2 overs—their tenth instance of being dismissed under 100 in ODIs. Young fast bowler Jayden Seales starred with the ball, claiming a career-best 6/18 in 7.2 overs, the third-best figures by a West Indian in ODIs and the best against Pakistan, surpassing Dale Steyn’s previous record. Seales dismantled the top order, dismissing five batsmen for ducks, a rare feat last achieved by Joel Garner in the 1979 World Cup final. Only Salman Agha offered brief resistance with 30 runs, as Gudakesh Motie (2/37) and a sharp run-out by Roston Chase compounded Pakistan’s woes.
Hope’s century was his 18th in ODIs, elevating him to third on West Indies’ all-time list behind Chris Gayle (25) and Brian Lara (19), surpassing Desmond Haynes (17). Achieved in 137 innings, this places him among the fastest to 18 tons, trailing only Babar Azam, Hashim Amla, David Warner, and Virat Kohli.
As a wicket-keeper captain, Hope became the second player after MS Dhoni to score five or more ODI centuries in that role, and the third wicket-keeper batter captain to notch a ton against Pakistan, with the highest strike rate among them. His individual score of 120 exceeded Pakistan’s team total by 28 runs, the largest such margin since Richie Richardson in 1986.
This series victory ends a prolonged drought for West Indies, whose last ODI series win over Pakistan dates back to November 1991 under Richie Richardson. It also snaps Pakistan’s 16-series unbeaten streak against West Indies across formats since 2011, and represents West Indies’ fourth consecutive home ODI series win—a streak last seen between 1981 and 1990. For Pakistan, the defeat underscores batting vulnerabilities in overseas conditions, following a recent sweep by Australia.
Hope’s leadership and batting prowess not only earned him the Player of the Match but also etched his name in cricketing lore, inspiring a resurgence for West Indies cricket. As the team looks ahead, this historic achievement signals a promising era under his stewardship.
Also Read: WI vs PAK: Jayden Seales’ 6-Wicket Haul Humiliates Pakistan