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Tarouba, August 10 – West Indies produced a spirited performance to defeat Pakistan by five wickets in a rain-curtailed second ODI, squaring the three-match series 1-1. In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Roston Chase emerged as the calm in the storm, steering his team to victory with an unbeaten 49 under the DLS method.
Early Blows and a Mountain to Climb
Chasing a revised target of 172 from 37 overs after rain interrupted play, West Indies were rocked early. Brandon King departed without troubling the scorers, while Evin Lewis’s stay was short-lived. Keacy Carty too fell cheaply, undone by a clever googly from Abrar Ahmed.
At 50/3, the Caribbean side looked vulnerable. But captain Shai Hope joined forces with Sherfane Rutherford, and the mood began to shift.
Rutherford Turns the Heat On
Rutherford brought the Tarouba crowd alive with a counter-punching 45 off 33 balls, peppered with four boundaries and three towering sixes. His aggressive intent pushed Pakistan on the defensive, forcing captain Mohammad Rizwan to alter his field plans.
But when Rutherford mistimed a pull and departed, the equation still required composure. That’s when Chase took control.
Chase’s Masterclass in Calmness
Where others looked to dominate, Roston Chase decided to absorb pressure. Rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries, he anchored the innings with an experienced head. His two cleanly struck sixes and a picturesque cover drive for the winning runs were a fitting finish to a classy knock.
At the other end, Justin Greaves played the perfect foil, compiling an unbeaten 26 and ensuring no late drama. Their unbroken stand sealed the win with 10 balls to spare.
Pakistan Falter in the Middle Overs
Pakistan’s bowlers started well – Hasan Ali (2/31) and Mohammad Nawaz (2/17) made early inroads – but the absence of a sixth specialist bowler cost them dearly in the middle overs. While Shaheen Afridi bowled with control, he remained wicketless, and part-timers couldn’t contain the set batsmen.
Captain Rizwan admitted after the match: “We were one bowler short, and that made it difficult once the partnerships built. Conditions here are tricky, and we’ll regroup for the decider.”
From Setback to Redemption
For the West Indies, this win was about more than just leveling the series – it was a statement of resilience. Coming off a defeat in the opening game, they showed belief and adaptability, qualities often associated with championship teams.
Skipper Shai Hope praised his side’s grit: “We spoke about fighting till the end, and that’s exactly what we did. Chase and Greaves showed the temperament needed to close out games like these.”
Key Highlights
- Roston Chase’s unbeaten 49 – a blend of patience and power.
- Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 45 that shifted the momentum.
- Justin Greaves’ mature 26* in the finishing role.
- Pakistan’s bowling depth is tested due to the absence of a specialist option.
Series Decider Beckons
With the series now tied, all eyes turn to the third ODI. Pakistan will aim to sharpen their bowling plans, while the West Indies will look to ride the wave of momentum from this confident chase.
One thing is certain – if the first two games are any indication, the finale promises to be a cracking contest.
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Frequently Asked Questions: West Indies’ Thrilling Victory Over Pakistan in the 2nd ODI to Level Series 1-1
1. What Happened in the West Indies vs. Pakistan 2nd ODI on August 10, 2025?
The West Indies clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected second ODI at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, on August 10, 2025, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Chasing a revised DLS target of 181 runs in 35 overs, the West Indies reached 184/5 in 33.2 overs, thanks to a match-winning performance by Roston Chase and Justin Greaves. The game, marred by multiple rain interruptions, saw Pakistan post 171/7 in 37 overs, with Jayden Seales’ 3-23 proving pivotal for the hosts.
2. Who Were the Key Performers in the West Indies’ Victory?
Roston Chase was the star, earning Player of the Match for his unbeaten 49 off 47 balls, including two sixes and the winning boundary. His 77-run unbroken partnership with Justin Greaves (26* off 31) sealed the chase. Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 45 off 33 balls, with three sixes and four fours, provided crucial momentum. On the bowling front, Jayden Seales shone with 3-23, while Mohammad Nawaz (2-17) and Abrar Ahmed (1-23) were economical for Pakistan but couldn’t stop the hosts.
3. How Did Roston Chase and Justin Greaves Turn the Game Around?
Facing a tricky situation at 111/5, Chase and Greaves combined for a calm yet aggressive 77-run stand. Chase’s composure against spin, highlighted by two sixes off Saim Ayub, and his match-winning cover drive off Hasan Ali were game-changers. Greaves supported with a steady 26, including a vital six, ensuring the West Indies crossed the line with 10 balls to spare. Their partnership was lauded by captain Shai Hope for sealing the victory after Rutherford’s fiery knock.
4. What Role Did Rain Play in the 2nd ODI Match?
Persistent rain interruptions reduced the match to 37 overs for Pakistan and a DLS-adjusted target of 181 in 35 overs for the West Indies. The wet conditions made the pitch slower, aiding spinners like Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed. However, the West Indies adapted brilliantly, with Chase noting the pitch was tougher against spin early on but easier against pacers, which their middle order exploited effectively.
5. How Did Pakistan Perform in the 2nd ODI?
Pakistan managed 171/7 in 37 overs after being asked to bat first. Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten 36 off 30 balls, including three sixes, and Hussain Talat’s 31 off 32 were the highlights, but slower batting from others, like Mohammad Rizwan’s 16 off 38, limited their total. Jayden Seales’ pace and Gudakesh Motie’s spin kept Pakistan in check. In response, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Hasan Ali (2-31), took early wickets but couldn’t contain the West Indies’ middle-order surge.
6. What Did the Captains Say About the Match?
West Indies captain Shai Hope expressed delight at bouncing back from the first ODI loss, praising Chase’s class and Rutherford’s impetus. He noted the slow pitch but lauded his team’s adaptability. Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan admitted the pitch was challenging and felt the absence of a fifth bowler, with Rutherford’s attack shifting momentum. He remained optimistic, planning to assess conditions for the decider.
7. Why Was This Victory Significant for the West Indies?
This win marked the West Indies’ first ODI victory over Pakistan in over six years, since the 2019 World Cup. It leveled the series at 1-1, keeping their hopes alive for the decider on August 12, 2025, at Tarouba. The victory also boosted their confidence in their quest to climb the ODI rankings for automatic qualification to the 2027 World Cup.
8. What Challenges Did the West Indies Face During the Chase?
The West Indies stumbled early, losing Brandon King, Evin Lewis, and Keacy Carty to slip to 48/3. Despite a 54-run stand between Shai Hope (32) and Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Nawaz’s double strike left them at 111/5. The slow, spin-friendly pitch posed challenges, but Chase and Greaves’ composure against Pakistan’s spinners and pacers ensured a clinical finish.
9. How Did Jayden Seales Impact the Game with His Bowling?
Jayden Seales was instrumental, taking 3-23 in seven overs, dismissing key Pakistan batsmen like Saim Ayub and Babar Azam (for a duck). His pace and accuracy restricted Pakistan’s scoring, setting a manageable target. His performance was crucial in keeping Pakistan’s total to 171/7 despite Hasan Nawaz’s late flourish.
10. What’s Next for the West Indies vs. Pakistan ODI Series?
The series heads to a thrilling decider on August 12, 2025, at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba. With momentum from their clinical chase and home support, the West Indies aim to clinch the series, while Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, will look to regroup and leverage their bowling depth. Fans are in for an exciting clash to determine the series winner!