West Indies and Pakistan came into the third and final encounter of the 50-over series with a 1-1 drawn margin at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. It had been 34 years since the Caribbean side beat Pakistan in an ODI series, as the touring captain, Mohammed Rizwan, won the toss and chose to bowl first on a surface which he anticipated would get better in the second innings.

The home side didn’t enjoy a great start, but the 110-run seventh-wicket stand between captain Shai Hope and Justin Graves provided them with the vital firepower. The former smashed an unbeaten knock of 120 runs in 94 balls at a strike rate of 127.66 with the help of 10 boundaries and five sixes, while Greaves drilled an undefeated 43 runs in 24 balls at a strike rate of 180.

See Also: New Zealand star switches to Scotland ahead of World Cup League 2 matches

Later, it was Jayden Seales, who ran through the visiting batting line with his incredible bowling performance. He drew the first blood when Saim Ayub got an outside edge into the hands of the wicket-keeper for a three-ball duck. In the third over, Abdullah Shafique’s mistimed shot ended his life for an eight-ball duck.

Watch: Jayden Seales rips apart Pakistan to end 34-year-old ODI series drought

The Trinidad-born sent back the opponent captain for the first ball duck. It was the good length delivery that nipped back sharply to break the stumps of Rizwan, who was completely flummoxed with the movement. The final nail in the coffin during the chase was Babar Azam’s leg before the stumps dismissals for nine runs.

Jayden Seales is soooo underrated. Got his maiden 5fer too! #WIvPAK pic.twitter.com/YhaQLD2ctb

— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) August 12, 2025

Seales later came back to hold the caught-and-bowled dismissal of Naseem Shah for six runs. The right-handed batter couldn’t keep the short ball on the surface as it lobbed off the shoulder before the bowler grabbed a fine catch. His sixth wicket was Hasan Ali, whose defense was breached on the third ball for a duck.

Seales ended with 6/18, which is the joint second-best figures by a West Indies men’s ODI player. The visitors were folded up for just 92 runs, which saw the West Indies side win their first 50-over series over this opposition in 34 years.

West Indies have announced a 15-member squad for the ODI series against Pakistan. The three-match series will be played in Trinidad. The team will be led by Shai Hope and includes several young players who have performed well for the West Indies recently. All-rounder Romario Shepherd makes a return to the ODI squad for the first time since the series against Bangladesh last year.

Young Talents Retained as West Indies Announce Squad for Pakistan ODIs

Eighteen-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew, who made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year, has kept his place in the team. He also played in the recent ODI series in England. Left-arm fast bowler Jediah Blades, who got his first cap against Bangladesh in 2024, has been called back. Amir Jangoo, who scored a century on his ODI debut against Bangladesh last year, is also included after playing against Ireland in May.

Also Read -‘Mahi bhai bas haath uthaye’- Former Indian player reflects on rare moment MS Dhoni lost his temper in IPL 2019 match against Rajasthan Royals

Coach Sammy Focused on World Cup Qualification

The West Indies are going into the series after losing the T20I series 2-1 at home. Head coach Daren Sammy said this ODI series is important for the team’s chances to qualify for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“Pakistan will be a different challenge as we push for automatic qualification,” Sammy said. “Our main goal is to qualify, but we also want to build a winning mindset and team unity for long-term success.”

He added, “Playing against stronger teams like Pakistan gives us a chance to earn important ranking points that will help us in the road to the World Cup.”

West Indies are currently ranked 10th in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. Pakistan are ranked 4th, behind India, New Zealand, and Australia.

West Indies Squad for Pakistan ODI Series:

Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.

Just before the start of the five-match T20I series for the West Indies against Australia, the veteran all-rounder, Andre Russell, announced that the second T20I clash of the series in Jamaica will be his last international encounter in the Maroon. It was a bolt from the blue decision for the experienced campaigner, especially with just six months to go for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. 

On July 22 (July 23 on IST), Andre Russell walked out before the start of the game with a guard of honour as all the players from both camps clapped in appreciation of the incredible contribution from the individual. It was my massive evening in the West Indies, which they called Dre Day, and he received a great moment alongside the warm applause.

See Also: Shubman Gill reveals real story of sledging England during ENG vs IND 3rd Test at Lord's

The 37-year-old finished his T20I career with 1122 runs at a strike rate of 163.8- thanks to three half-centuries at the best score of 71 runs. With the ball, on the other hand, the right-arm pacer picked up 61 wickets in 74 innings at an average of 31.19 and an economy rate of well over nine.

Watch: Guard of honour for Andre Russell on retirement from international cricket

Russell was brutal with the bat in the evening as he smacked Ben Dwarshuis for a huge six straight down the ground as the ball made a hold in the sight screen. When the left-arm pacer pulled the length back, the batter used his power to drill it behind the square region for another six. Another wide delivery was put into the stands as he finished with 36 runs in just 15 balls at a strike rate of 240.

Dre Russ takes his final walk in the Maroon🌴 , honored by teammates, hailed by fans🙌🏾 and etched forever in West Indies Cricket Legend.🏏✌🏾💥 #WIvAUS | #DreDay | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/bUBKXO92MP

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 23, 2025

‘I remember the two World Cups we won, the flags going high, but at the end of the day - I think it was time to move ahead, we have a good bunch of guys (in the team), Shephard is throwing some punches and there are the likes of Rutherford, Alzarri and Holder as well.’ He expressed after the end of the game.

Despite Russell’s knock, the West Indies could finish with only 172/8 in 20 overs before the visitors chased it down comfortably with eight wickets in hand and nearly five overs to spare. Josh Inglis won the ‘player of the match’ award for his 78 unbeaten runs in 33 balls.

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) powerful board met on July 19 in Singapore as part of the annual general meeting’s press conference. Several big-ticket issues were discussed in the meeting before a final decision will be made on July 20. The most important part of the discussion will be regarding the Los Angeles Olympic qualification.

The regional rankings will cut the men’s tournament from July 12 to 29 in Pomona, which is nearly 30 miles east of Los Angeles. Under this aspect, the top-ranked sides of Asia, Europe, and Africa will qualify alongside the United States, which will represent the Americans. The final decision will be taken by a qualifier, with the T20 rankings date as the likely outcome.

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The West Indies comprises various nations in the Caribbean, and they will have their regional competition to decide which region will get the tickets for the qualifier. The T20 World Cup will determine the women’s Olympic spot. Although it’s not confirmed if the US will get an automatic chance. More chances for teams are expected to happen in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

ICC Annual General Meeting: 32 Teams in T20 World Cup and USA suspension updates

There is an expectation of 32 teams getting extended during the T20 World Cup. As many as twenty teams competed in last year’s 20-over World Cup, which will remain the same in the next edition after 16 teams participated from 2016 to 2022. Due to the recent qualification of Italy and other new sides, it’s expected that the ICC will try to encourage more teams.

In the last two 50-over competitions, there were 10 teams. However, there is no requirement to increase it to 14 teams. There will be discussions of two divisions of the Test nations, along with the promotion and relegation basis, on how the funds will be distributed between them. All the decisions will be finally made on Sunday, July 20.

USA cricket is also expected to avoid the suspension and has been given three months to address the governance issues. There is a lot of scrutiny over the state with the Los Angeles Olympics just three months away. The USA cricket chair, Venu Pisike, and the CEO, Jonathan Atkeison, have meetings in Singapore.

The former England captain, Michael Atherton, has discussed the recent decline of the West Indies side in the longest format. Recently, the Caribbean side lost the three-match series to Australia by a margin of 0-3, and more specifically, got rolled over for just 27 runs in the fourth innings of the third Sabina Park Test in Jamaica, which is the second-lowest total in an inning.

Atherton reveals that the story of the Roston Chase-led side isn’t new, and he also expressed how the story hasn’t been the same in the white-ball form of the game. The former captain also shed light on how the game has lost spectators in the Caribbean, while most of the England fans are travelling for the Test series.

See Also: [WATCH] Michael Vaughan suggests where Ben Stokes should bat during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

‘It’s a sad tale, isn’t it? The West Indies, we seem to have written it, time and time again, about the decline of not so much of the white-ball or T20 cricket- the short form of cricket, but for the Test cricket, which seems to me is almost dead as a spectator sport there. When England go, you know, it’s only the England fans who travel for Tests.’ Atherton revealed during a recent podcast on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Michael Atherton analyzes West Indies’ recent Test decline  

‘Now that England are not playing a Test in the Caribbean, they don’t play there in the next program. It’s a story that has been written time and time again and doesn’t seem to have easy answers. I notice they have called together a meeting of their greats.’ The former England opening batter added.  

Michael Atherton discusses the decline of the game in the West Indies 🏏 pic.twitter.com/gFY90hfdVw

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 18, 2025

Just the day after they managed 27 runs on the board, the WICB invited the former captains and batters for an emergency meeting, but Atherton wasn’t sure of how it would develop. ‘I am not sure what that’s going to achieve either. It’s been such a long time since the Red Ball decline. It’s the batting. Bowling looks strong with attacking bowlers, but Mitchell Starc with the pink ball was very tricky.’ The veteran addressed.

West Indies won’t have an easy time after this home series. They will soon make a Test trip to India in the autumn and later to New Zealand by the end of the series. The pressure is also immense on the coaching management to bring positive results.

The former West Indies captain, Brian Lara, has made a shocking revelation on how breaking the world record twice in his career took a lot out of him and gave him several stress periods. During his recent interaction on ‘The Overlap cricket,’ the southpaw spoke on the night when Matthew Hayden broke his record of 375

‘I wasn’t annoyed. I was asleep in Jamaica. And my agent called me, and he was in London. He said you need to have a number for you to call. I said why because I think he did a lot on that day. So, he might have gone to sleep at 1:00 something, and then he scored a couple of hundreds on that day.’ Lara talked on the show.

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Hayden smashed 380 runs at the WACA against Zimbabwe in 2003, which came nine years after Lara built the record of the highest individual Test score of 375 against England at St John's. Before that, the previous highest score by an individual batter was unbeaten 365 runs by Garry Sobers in 1958 against Pakistan at the Sabina Park.

Watch: Brian Lara reveals how breaking records put stress on him

Lara looked back at the night when he called Hayden and congratulated him on the record. ‘So, he had a number to call the Perth dressing room. But I said Why? He said that someone broke your record. I called the dressing room, and it was very noisy. I went to Matthew and congratulated him. But funny enough, I felt that for those 10 years, I had a lot of stress because of those two records.’

"The records caused me stress" 😰

Brian Lara on the pressure of being cricket’s record-breaker 📚 pic.twitter.com/CbLnqT596S

— Stick to Cricket (@StickToCricket) July 15, 2025

‘And one of my main things was actually to be a good captain and not to have strangled myself with the double world record. I wasn’t perturbed and didn’t worry much about it, but here came England 10 years later.’ The 56-year-old added during the same session.

However, Hayden’s 380 didn’t last long. Just six months later in 2004, at the same ground, St John’s Park, Lara became the first and the only batter as of now to celebrate 400 runs individually. That 400* is still the highest score by a batter in the longest format, coincidentally, along with the ground, it also came against England. The only difference was the opposition captains.

Run chases are always exciting and nerve-wracking in the fourth innings at Lord’s. And this upcoming result between England and India on the fifth day will be the same. Both teams put up the same score on the board in their respective fourth innings as the dry batting surface didn’t provide any chance to the bowlers to make any inroads.

But as the heat started to take place in London, the surface began to change its colour. A few dry rough patches started to come around the batters’ to which the bowlers were getting uneven bounce. A few balls, on the fourth day of the ongoing Lord’s Test, were jumping at the shoulder height while a few deliveries were crashing on the knees.

India will face several issues in their 193-run chase as they found themselves 58/4 at the end of the third day’s play. The entire responsibility is on the overnight batter, KL Rahul, who could keep calm in the middle while Rishabh Pant can show his aggressive batting from the other end.

Let’s take a look at the top five highest successful chases at Lord’s in Test history.

5. 218/3 by England vs New Zealand in 1965

It came 60 years ago when the home side chased down a huge score of 218 runs with seven wickets in hand. Batting first, the Blackcaps put 175 in the first innings with Bruce Taylor and Vic Pollard celebrating their respective half-centuries.

The home side took a 150+ run lead thanks to the 119-run knock from Colin Cowdrey. Three Kiwi batters got fifties, but none of them could stretch it to the three-figure mark. Later, Ted Dexter and Geoff Boycott got them over the line with seven wickets in hand.

4. 279/5 by England vs New Zealand in 2022

It was the very first red-ball encounter for England under Ben Stokes’ captaincy and Brendon McCullum’s coaching. Both teams failed to put 150 runs on the board, with the hosts taking a lead of nine runs. But the Blackcaps made a fine comeback with 285 runs on the board, thanks to Daryl Mitchell scoring 108 runs while Tom Blundell scored 96 runs on the board.

See Also: [WATCH] ‘600 runs enough’- Ben Duckett teases Shubman Gill during ENG vs IND 2025 third Test at Lord's

That was, however, the only stand of the Kiwis’ second innings. But that England side was a different beast as they chased down the score with five wickets in hand, celebrating an unbeaten 115 runs from Joe Root.

3. 282/5 by South Africa vs Australia in 2025

This chase took place just six weeks ago at Lord’s when South Africa lifted the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against Australia in the final. The only difference from the other games on the list of this chase was that it happened quite early in the game. On a tough surface, the Proteas gave away a lead of over 80 runs to the Aussies. But Kagiso Rabada’s inspiring bowling set the stage.

The biggest knock for the Proteas in the chase came from Aiden Markram, who drilled 136 runs in 207 balls to carry them over the line. Captain Temba Bavuma also managed 66 runs in 134 deliveries for the successful chase.

2. 282/3 by England vs New Zealand in 2004

It was the farewell Test for the former England captain, Nasser Hussain, and the debut of the would-be captain of the side, Andrew Strauss. Thanks to multiple fifties, the Kiwis put 386 runs on the board in the first innings before the home side took a small lead thanks to Strauss’s century on debut. The captain, Marcus Trescothick, also clubbed 86 runs in a fine 190-run opening stand.

Mark Richardson scored 101 in the second innings while Brendon McCullum fell short of the landmark by four runs. In the fourth innings, England chased down 282/3 quite comfortably as Hussain remained unbeaten on 103 runs while Andre Strauss also notched up 83 runs in 171 balls.

1. 344/1 by the West Indies vs England in 1984

It’s hard to believe a huge 344 runs being chased in the fourth innings of a Test, and that too in the past. But the success could only be earned by the old West Indies, which had all the ingredients with them. Graeme Flower’s 106 helped the home side put 286 on the board before the tourists fell for just 245 runs. Allan Lamb in the second innings drilled 110 runs while Ian Botham fetched 81.

The case was always going to be a tough one, but Gordon Greenidge was in the mood and he smashed an unbeaten 214 runs in 242 balls at a strike rate of nearly 90, while Larry Gomes remained unbeaten on 92 runs in 140 balls. The Caribbean side chased down the score of 344 with nine wickets in hand under the captaincy of Viv Richards.

It’s the story from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) camp, just before the start of the T20 World Cup 2024, in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). It was a tournament where the entire Caribbean wanted their mystery and successful spinner, Sunil Narine, to make a comeback in the national side. 

Their head coach, Darren Sammy, tried multiple times to convince Sunil to return to the side, who looked a bit thin in the spin department in the presence of only Akeal Hosein. The famous journalist, Vimal Kumar, during a recent interaction on Sony Sports Network, has leaked a story from the KKR campaign, when Narine gave the West Indies players a condition to feature in the home T20 World Cup 2024. 

SEE ALSO: WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Harry Brook in ongoing ENG vs IND third Test at Lord’s

“I can say it’s exclusive; it’s the story of Sunil Narine!! He retired from international cricket in 2023, but their national players, Rovman Powell and Dwayne Bravo, wanted him to return to the national team. Narine wasn’t sure even after so many discussions, as the former players went to Gautam Gambhir to have a word with the spinner. After Gambhir spoke to him during a net session to accept the request, Narine turned back and asked him a simple question, ‘Will you coach me?’ Vimal Kumar narrated.

Watch: Sunil Narine keeps one condition to play T20 World Cup 2024

That statement was incredible from the veteran West Indies player, who was ready to make a return to the T20Is only if Gambhir coaches them. That shows the immense respect he has for his former captain and current coach on the KKR side. Narine could have made a huge difference for the Powell-led side in the World Cup 2024.

🗣️ WATCH : Never heard story by Vimal Kumar on Sunil Narine about how he almost played the T20 WC 2024.

BUT HIS ONE CONDITION?
GG🥺pic.twitter.com/RExiMd7uLw

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) July 11, 2025

In 49 T20I innings, the 37-year-old has picked up 52 wickets at an average of 21.25 and a strike rate of 21.1 besides an economy rate of just over six, thanks to the best bowling figures of 4/12. In the T20s around the globe, he has collected 589 wickets in 544 innings at an average of under 22 and an economy rate of just over six.

The West Indies qualified for the super eight stage, but went on to lose a do-or-die clash against South Africa and were out of the event. The two-time champions, overall, weren’t at their best in all three departments of the game.

The West Indies ace speedster Shamar Joseph is garnering headlines for all the wrong reasons of late. Following the end of the Bridgetown Test, Shamar landed in a fresh controversey as allegations of rape came to light. The pace bowling hero has been accused of rape, sexual assault, harassment and unwanted advances by at least 11 women, including his teen cousin. This groundbreaking news has shaken West Indies cricket to its core.

Although Shamar has not been proven guilty at this stage, if reported to be true, then this could severely jeopardise his promising cricketing career. As per reports, one of his rape victims include his 18-year-old teen cousin who was allegdely raped in his residence in New Amsterdam. Going by the family accounts, Shamar picked her up under the false pretext of socialising and brought her to a house filled with others. He then took her upstairs and committed the heinous act.

In the wake of this shocking development, more women came forward with supporting evidence to prove that Shamar was attempting to put a tight lid on this matter. Back in 2023, Shamar was also arrested on account of sexual assault of a teen relative under the age of consent. The victim withdrew her statement while the case was closed; the charges were not pressed.

See also: West Indies v Australia, First Test: All you need to know

CWI's stance on Shamar Joseph's shocking rape allegations

Shamar's story is an evolving story, and at the moment, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) has declined to make any further comments. But the sudden emergence of these allegations in the midst of a Test match forced the national cricketing board to take action. While responding to SportsMax TV, CWI issued the following statement. 

“Cricket West Indies is unaware of the circumstances and, therefore, is not in a position to comment at this time.”

The second Test is due to take place in Grenada on July 3. It remains unclear whether Shamar will be seen in action for the second Test. A man who gained an unprecedented reputation for firing thunderbolts is now witnessing a possible end to his cricketing career. This shocking news has certainly damaged Shamar's reputation on a global scale, and his departure from the cricketing arena is bound to puncture West Indies cricket as a whole.  

A West Indian cricketer has reportedly been accused of sexual assault in Guyana during the team’s ongoing three-match home Test series against Australia. A 24-year-old woman claimed the incident occurred after she went on a date with the player. The alleged assault reportedly happened near her residence in Providence, East Bank Demerara. As per Guyana-based Kaieteur News, the woman provided WhatsApp messages where the cricketer appeared to apologize for his actions and allegedly offered her money, further fueling the seriousness of the situation.

In addition to this, SportsMax TV reported that multiple victims have come forward with similar accusations, alleging a widespread cover-up intended to shield the accused player. The channel contacted Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Kishore Shallow, inquiring whether the board was aware of these claims and whether any investigation had been launched. The situation has sparked serious concerns over how the matter is being handled and the potential implications for West Indies cricket.

See Also: What is the new ICC rule on T20I powerplay duration?

"Cricket West Indies is unaware of the circumstances and, therefore, is not in a position to comment at this time," Shallow said on behalf of Cricket West Indies.

It is a matter of some significant sensitivity: Nigel Hughes

In addition to it, Nigel Hughes, who is the lawyer representing one of the alleged victims, spoke to SportsMax TV and stated that the matter was highly sensitive. He revealed that the allegations had been made two years ago and that an investigation had taken place. According to him, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had recommended filing charges. He mentioned that this coincided with the famous Test match win by the West Indies in Australia, after which the suspect returned, and there had been no updates since. Hughes also said that his firm had been contacted about the case two years earlier and that, following a more recent allegation, they had made inquiries about the status of his client’s complaint, but had not received any substantial information.

"It is a matter of some significant sensitivity. The allegations that were leveled by the victims were leveled two years ago. An investigation was conducted, and we understand that there were recommendations from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to institute charges. You will recall the very famous Test match, which the West Indies won in Australia, occurred at the same time, and the suspect returned together and we have heard nothing since. My firm was initially contacted about two years ago, and with the more recent allegation, inquiries were made yesterday and the day before about what the status of my client's complaint was, and we have not been able to obtain any significant information," Hughes told.

Meanwhile, the West Indies are currently competing against Australia in the Test series opener in Barbados. Following the completion of the three red-ball fixtures, the two sides will lock horns in a five-match T20I series, beginning July 12.