The Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI in Trinidad turned into a nightmare for the visitors as West Indies captain Shai Hope delivered a spectacular innings to lead his side to a commanding position. In reply to a formidable 295-run target, Pakistan crumbled early, losing four wickets for just 34 runs in 12 overs, leaving their chances of a comeback slim.
West Indies Set a Strong Target
In the Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI, Mohammad Rizwan, captaining Pakistan, won the toss and chose to field first. However, the decision backfired. The hosts made full use of the conditions to post 294 for six in their allotted 50 overs.
Shai Hope was the star of the show, scoring his 18th ODI century in style. His unbeaten 120 off just 94 balls included ten boundaries and five towering sixes. Partnering with him was Justin Graves, who hammered an unbeaten 43 off 24 balls with four fours and two sixes, ensuring a big finish for the home side.
Opener Brandon King fell early for five runs, while Casey Carty scored 17 and Evin Lewis contributed a steady 37. The middle overs saw Pakistan briefly back in the contest, reducing the West Indies to 113 for four. But a crucial 64-run stand between Hope and Roston Chase shifted the momentum back to the hosts. Chase’s quickfire 36 from 29 balls, decorated with three sixes and two fours, broke Pakistan’s grip on the game.
Pakistani Bowling: A Tale of Two Halves
The Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI saw a mixed performance from the Pakistani bowlers. In the first 20 overs, they maintained tight lines, picking up regular wickets. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed led the attack, with Naseem claiming two wickets for 72 runs and Abrar delivering an impressive two for 34.
Saim Ayub chipped in with one wicket for 36 runs, while Mohammad Nawaz went for 60 without success. Hassan Ali had a forgettable day, conceding 60 runs without taking a wicket. The last five overs were particularly damaging for Pakistan as they leaked 70 runs, allowing West Indies to post a daunting total.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Chasing 295 in the Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI, Pakistan’s top order faltered against a fiery spell from Jaden Sales. Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, and Abdullah Shafique all departed for ducks, while captain Babar Azam could manage only nine runs before falling victim to Sales.
By the 12th over, the scoreboard read 34 for four, leaving Pakistan’s lower order with an uphill battle. The disciplined and aggressive bowling from Sales and his teammates had the visitors on the ropes early, setting the tone for a likely West Indies win.
Shai Hope: The Difference Maker
Shai Hope’s innings in the Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI was nothing short of a masterclass. Displaying patience early and controlled aggression later, he ensured his team maintained momentum throughout. His ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries frustrated the Pakistani attack.
Hope’s record speaks volumes—this was his 18th ODI hundred, cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent batters in modern one-day cricket. His partnership with Graves in the death overs was particularly decisive, adding quick runs that shifted the game beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Lessons for Pakistan
The Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI exposed familiar weaknesses in Pakistan’s cricket setup: inconsistent batting under pressure and an inability to close out the death overs with the ball. While the early bowling spells were promising, the lack of discipline in the final overs cost them dearly.
The batting unit’s top order collapse highlights the urgent need for better shot selection and temperament in high-pressure chases. The fact that three key batters failed to score suggests both technical and mental lapses.
West Indies on the Rise
For the West Indies, the Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI was a display of their growing consistency in ODI cricket. The team’s ability to recover from early setbacks and accelerate in the final overs shows maturity and adaptability. Players like Hope, Chase, and Graves provided the perfect blend of experience and flair.
Their bowling unit, led by Jaden Sales, capitalized on Pakistan’s fragile start, never allowing them to settle. If this form continues, West Indies could be a serious contender in upcoming international series.
The Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI will be remembered for Shai Hope’s exceptional batting and Pakistan’s disappointing collapse. For Pakistan, the road ahead requires not just skill improvement but mental toughness in crunch situations. For West Indies, it’s another confidence-boosting performance that strengthens their team’s resurgence in limited-overs cricket.
With this victory, West Indies have not only claimed bragging rights but also sent a strong message to the cricketing world: underestimate them at your own risk.
