The Pakistan vs West Indies ODI Series 2025 has reached its thrilling conclusion, with both sides having secured one win each in the three-match contest. The third and final match in Trinidad on Tuesday will decide the winner — and for the West Indies, it’s about much more than just pride. A series loss could seriously damage their hopes of directly qualifying for the 2027 One-Day World Cup.
A Rivalry Spanning Over Three Decades
Pakistan’s record against the West Indies in ODI series over the past 31 years has been dominant. The Green Shirts have won ten series in this period, while the Caribbean side’s last triumph against Pakistan came back in the 1991–92 season on Pakistani soil. That memorable win included victories in Karachi and Faisalabad, with the Lahore match ending in a tie.
Now, the Pakistan vs West Indies ODI Series 2025 offers the hosts a rare chance to break that long-standing drought.
West Indies Level the Series with a Rain-Shortened Win
The second ODI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, was reduced to 40 overs per side due to rain interruptions. Pakistan, batting first after losing the toss, posted 171 for 7 in 37 overs before another downpour ended their innings prematurely. Under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, West Indies were set a target of 181 runs in 35 overs.
Roston Chase played a match-winning knock of 49 runs from 47 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries. Alongside him, Sherfane Rutherford smashed 45 off 33 deliveries to guide the hosts to victory in 33.2 overs with five wickets in hand.
For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz claimed two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one. Roston Chase’s all-round contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Continue
Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start. Saim Ayub scored 23, Abdullah Shafique 26, while captain Babar Azam fell for a rare duck. Mohammad Rizwan added 16, and Hussain Talat contributed 31 runs. Hassan Nawaz provided late fireworks with a brisk 36 before rain halted the innings.
West Indies’ bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Jayden Seales taking 3 wickets, and Jaden Blades, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, and Roston Chase claiming one apiece.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted after the match that his team failed to adapt to the conditions. “We should have given West Indies a bigger target,” he said. “The pitch offered both spin and seam movement, but we didn’t capitalize.”
Bowling Challenges for Pakistan
Part-time spinners Salman Agha and Saim Ayub proved expensive, conceding 66 runs in just 7 overs. Rizwan emphasized the importance of taking wickets at crucial stages, particularly against in-form West Indies batters.
In contrast, Pakistan’s frontline bowlers, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz, were effective early on, dismissing openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis cheaply. However, the middle-order resilience from Shai Hope, Chase, and Rutherford swung the game in the hosts’ favor.
What’s at Stake in the Decider
For West Indies, the deciding match in the Pakistan vs West Indies ODI Series 2025 is not just about breaking a 33-year series drought. Their direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup could be affected if they lose at home.
For Pakistan, winning the series would reinforce their dominance over the West Indies and provide crucial momentum ahead of upcoming fixtures.
The match will begin at 6:30 pm local time in Trinidad, with both sides expected to make tactical adjustments. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy pitch has shown variable bounce and turn, which could influence team selections for the decider.
Key Players to Watch
- Pakistan: Babar Azam will be determined to bounce back after his rare failure, while Hasan Ali’s wicket-taking form could be pivotal. Hassan Nawaz’s quick scoring in the lower order might again prove valuable.
- West Indies: Roston Chase, in both batting and bowling roles, remains the danger man. Sherfane Rutherford’s aggressive approach could tilt the game if he fires again.
The Pakistan vs West Indies ODI Series 2025 has already delivered drama, weather interruptions, and standout performances. Tuesday’s decider is shaping up to be another gripping chapter in this long-running cricket rivalry.
If Pakistan win, it will be their 11th ODI series victory against the West Indies in 31 years. If the hosts triumph, it will mark a historic moment — their first series win over Pakistan since 1991–92 and a significant boost toward their World Cup ambitions.
With so much at stake for both teams, cricket fans worldwide will be glued to the action in Trinidad.
