Shai Hope: The Captain Who Ended a 34-Year Wait for West Indies
When cricket fans in the Caribbean look back on great ODI moments, Shai Hope’s unbeaten 120* against Pakistan in August 2025 will stand tall. Not only did it seal a historic 2–1 series victory, but it also ended a 34-year drought since the West Indies last won a bilateral ODI series against Pakistan. For a team that has seen highs and lows in recent decades, this was more than a win—it was a statement.
Background—Decades in the Waiting
In the world of ODI cricket, the West Indies have often found themselves on the back foot against Pakistan in recent years. The Caribbean side’s previous series victory over them dates all the way back to 1991, an era graced by icons such as Richie Richardson and Curtly Ambrose. From that point onwards, Pakistan largely held the upper hand, and each fresh contest seemed to close with disappointment for West Indies supporters.
The Knock That Changed Everything
Hope walked out to bat with composure, playing a captain’s innings that combined patience with calculated aggression. His unbeaten 120 runs off 94 balls was a masterclass in ODI batting. With perfectly timed cover drives, lofted shots over mid-off, and a calm presence at the crease, Hope kept the scoreboard ticking even as wickets fell around him.
When the West Indies innings concluded, their scoreboard read 294 for 6—an imposing total that Pakistan struggled to chase. The home side was bundled out for only 92, giving the Caribbean team a thumping 202-run triumph, the largest margin of victory they’ve ever achieved against Pakistan in ODI cricket.
Records and Milestones for Shai Hope
Hope’s century wasn’t just a match-winner—it etched his name into West Indies cricket history:
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18th ODI Century: He now trails only Chris Gayle (25) and Brian Lara (19) on the all-time West Indies ODI centuries list.
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Equalled Brian Lara’s Record as Captain: Five ODI centuries as West Indies skipper, achieved in just 38 matches—compared to Lara’s 125 matches.
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Outscored the Opposition: His 120 runs were 28 more than Pakistan’s entire team total, a rare feat last seen in West Indies cricket in 1986 by Richie Richardson.
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Fastest to 18 Centuries for West Indies:Achieved in just 137 innings, placing him among the top five fastest players globally to reach the mark.
A Captain Who Leads by Example
One of the hallmarks of Shai Hope’s captaincy has been his ability to adapt to match situations. Whether rotating the strike in tough conditions or accelerating the run rate when needed, Hope blends technical skill with game awareness.
His calm demeanor under pressure also sets the tone for the younger players in the squad. In the post-match presentation, Hope humbly credited his team, saying:
“Records are special, but the real joy is seeing West Indies cricket where it belongs—competing and winning against the best.”
Turning the Page After Disappointments
This victory came at a crucial time. Just weeks earlier, the West Indies suffered a 0–5 T20I whitewash against Australia, sparking criticism over intent and preparation. Hope, as ODI captain, made it clear the team needed a reset—and the Pakistan series proved that they could respond strongly.
His individual form has been equally consistent. With an ODI average above 50, Hope continues to be one of the most reliable batsmen in world cricket.
What This Means for West Indies Cricket
More than just a personal achievement, Hope’s match-winning innings may mark a fresh chapter for the West Indies’ ODI journey. This triumph injects much-needed belief into the side as they prepare for future challenges—most notably a tour of Australia, where Hope has also been named in the Test squad, signaling his growing influence across formats.
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