Shai Hope Enters Elite Club List
West Indies vs Pakistan ODI Series: Drama, Determination, and a Captain’s Statement
The ongoing ODI series between West Indies and Pakistan has delivered everything cricket fans crave — close finishes, intense rivalries, and standout performances. Both sides came into the contest with contrasting storylines. Pakistan banked on their fiery pace attack and a solid batting core, while West Indies, led by the calm yet determined Shai Hope, were on a mission to bounce back after a disappointing T20 series defeat to the visitors.
From the very first ball, the series had the feel of a heavyweight boxing match — each game swinging like a pendulum, building towards a decisive final chapter. Fans knew it wasn’t going to be a one-sided affair; every match was a high-pressure contest that kept the outcome hanging in the balance until the last over.
The latest clash proved to be the jewel of the series. West Indies didn’t just win — they scripted a performance that will go down in Caribbean cricket folklore. With bat and ball, they outplayed Pakistan, showing grit, discipline, and the fighting spirit that has defined the region’s cricketing legacy. This wasn’t merely about adding a win to the record books; it was a statement — that the West Indies, under Shai Hope’s leadership, are ready to reclaim their place as a force in world cricket.cements a player’s legacy.
With this effort, Hope achieved a remarkable personal milestone: becoming only the third West Indies batter to cross 5,000 ODI runs, joining the legendary Chris Gayle and Brian Lara. This feat places him firmly in the elite league of Caribbean batting icons — players who have defined West Indies’ dominance in the limited-overs format over decades.
But that wasn’t all. His latest innings also elevated him into another prestigious list — West Indies players with the most centuries in ODI cricket, once again sharing space with Lara and Gayle. For any cricketer from the region, this is the ultimate benchmark of batting greatness.
Hope’s knock against Pakistan wasn’t just about numbers; it was about timing, leadership, and belief. At a crucial stage in the series, with momentum in the balance, he stepped up and delivered a captain’s innings — ensuring that the West Indies not only stayed ahead but also carried the confidence of champions into the final stages of the series.
In years to come, this innings will be remembered not just as a match-winner, but as a defining moment in Shai Hope’s journey from a talented batter to a modern West Indies legend.
Most Hundreds for West Indies in ODI History: Shai Hope Creates Another Landmark
With an unbeaten 120 in the third ODI against Pakistan, Shai Hope has added another glittering chapter to his career. This knock not only sealed a memorable victory for the West Indies but also propelled him into the record books. Hope now has 18 ODI centuries, moving past the legendary Desmond Haynes (17 hundreds) to take third place on the all-time list for West Indies.
He now stands behind only:
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Chris Gayle – 25 Hundreds (301 matches)
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Brian Lara – 19 Hundreds (299 matches)
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Shai Hope – 18 Hundreds* (142 matches)
What makes this feat even more impressive is the pace at which Hope has achieved it — in just 142 matches, a testament to his remarkable consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. This innings was also his fifth century as West Indies captain and wicketkeeper, placing him second on the world list for most hundreds in this role, behind only MS Dhoni (6) and ahead of AB de Villiers (4).
West Indies Secure Historic Win
This match was about more than personal milestones. The West Indies’ victory over Pakistan marked their first ODI series win against Pakistan since 1991, ending a 34-year wait. For Hope, this was a defining moment — not just as a batter chasing records, but as a leader steering his team towards a historic achievement in Caribbean cricket history.
With his current form, Hope is not only closing in on Lara’s record but also cementing his status as the backbone of West Indies cricket — a player capable of winning matches, rewriting records, and inspiring a new generation of cricketers.
