West Indies Reverse 34 Years of Cricket History by Humiliating Pakistan in 3rd ODI

West Indies thrashed Pakistan by 202 runs in the final ODI, sealing their first series win over them in 34 years and recording their biggest home victory against a Full Member.

West Indies Reverse 34 Years of Cricket History by Humiliating Pakistan in 3rd ODI

West Indies ODI team celebrating (Image via Mint)

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West Indies cricket had a terrible last month as they went down poorly to a visiting Australian side. Having lost all the three Test matches and five T20Is at home, it was certain that West Indies cricket hadn’t seen any worse days than that.

Pakistan was flying over to the Caribbean islands next, and there wasn’t a lot of optimism in the air after the Australian thumping. Many felt West Indies’ only chance in the series is during the T20Is as the power game suits the side. However, Pakistan was alert for that and gave a tough fight to the home side. West Indies couldn’t make many in-roads as Pakistan comfortably won the series 2-1.

The ODIs brought little hope as West Indies hadn’t defeated Pakistan in an ODI series since 1991. 34 years had passed and every time Pakistan would triumph over the West Indies side. Pakistan once again started the series in fine fashion as they chased down 280 without breaking much sweat. The home side had no choice but to win both the remaining One Dayers if they had to create history.

They restricted Pakistan to just 171 in a shortened 37-over game. They cruised through to the revised target of 181 to level the series. It was the first time West Indies beat Pakistan in an ODI since 2019. Pakistan still were favorites for the third ODI considering their age-old record.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led team started well by reducing the home side to 184-6. That’s when Justin Greaves joined captain Shai Hope and turned the match on its head. Hope scored a remarkable 120 off just 94 balls and Greaves stepped in with a 24 ball 43. They gave the innings a boost and pushed West Indies to 294.

Having a terrible last few overs with the ball, Pakistan carried that baggage into their batting. They were reduced to 23-4 by Jayden Seales, who ran through the top order. Their two talisman batters had no impact in the steel chase.

Mohammad Rizwan went for a golden duck, and Babar Azam was knocked over for just 9 continuing his century drought. It has been 72 international innings since the Pakistani batter has crossed three digit figures.

The West Indies’ bowlers continued to attack, and Pakistan had no answer to the hostile bowling. The visitors were bundled out for just 92, with Seales claiming 6 scalps. West Indies turned the tide over Pakistan for the first time in 34 years and will hope to build on this momentum in the year going forward.

What’s the way forward for West Indies cricket?

After finally winning a series at home in a while the West Indies side would be in no mood to slow down. They showed no fight against the Australians but have shown some character against the Pakistani side. A few individuals like Jayden Seales, Shai Hope and Roston Chase stood up, and they would like to add more such wins to their careers.

West Indies Test cricket team
West Indies Test cricket team (via India Today)

West Indies are scheduled to play Nepal in the UAE next. They would like to breeze through that series without any embarrassing blips. Once they complete that, they will up against an Indian Test side in home soil. India would enter as overwhelming favorites, but the visitors should tell themselves that India hasn’t won a Test series in their previous three attempts.

They infamously also lost their previous home series against New Zealand last year. India has shown vulnerability to good spin in home conditions, and West Indies would look to pack their side with effective spinners and a couple tear away fast bowlers. The test against India will be about which side bats longer against the turning ball.

West Indies seem to have a settled top 6 with the likes of Brandon King, Roston Chase and Shai Hope featuring in it. However, these batters will have to find some consistency against the Indian bowlers.

Their pace attack has venom with the likes of Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. Jomel Warrican and Roston Chase are their prominent spin options right now. However, they would like to add one more here to increase potency in the attack.

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