Hayley Matthews’ second century of the series, a magnificent 141 off 149 deliveries, powered West Indies to a commanding victory in the third and final ODI against Pakistan in Karachi. This triumph sealed a clean sweep for the visitors, who dominated the series from the outset.
Pakistan’s bowlers toiled hard on a sluggish track, but they were unable to contain the onslaught of Matthews. The West Indies skipper put her team in a commanding position, forging a crucial 101-run partnership with former captain Stafanie Taylor for the third wicket. Matthews reached her fifth ODI century and second of the series during this partnership, showcasing her exceptional batting prowess.
In contrast to Matthews’ fireworks, Pakistan’s batters struggled to find their rhythm. Openers Sadaf Shamas and Sidra Ameen were dismissed early, and while Muneeba Ali and Bismah Maroof added a respectable 45 for the third wicket, the run-scoring pace was far too slow to challenge the West Indies attack.
Matthews made her presence felt with the ball as well, claiming the wickets of Nida Dar and Muneeba Ali to extinguish any hopes of a Pakistan resurgence. Aalia Riaz and Fatima Sana offered some resistance, but the game was effectively over by that point. West Indies bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals, and a double strike from Aaliyah Alleyne in the 48th over wrapped up the Pakistan innings, securing an emphatic 88-run victory for the visitors.
The two teams will now shift their focus to a five-match T20I series, which will be played entirely in Karachi. West Indies will be brimming with confidence after their dominant ODI performance, while Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and salvage some pride.
