In what he described as one of the greatest performances of his career, West Indies captain Shai Hope led his team to a sensational victory over England in the first CG United One-Day International at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, on Sunday.
Full scorecard: Match Center
Hope dominated the England bowlers and made 109 not out off 82 balls – with four boundaries and seven magnificent maximums – as West Indies chased down a target of 326 to win by four wickets with seven balls left. Batting with great aplomb he ended the match in grand style with three towering sixes into ‘cow corner’ off Sam Curran in the penultimate off left-am seamer.
It was his 16th ODI century – the most by a West Indies wicket-keeper. It was his 114th ODI innings and in the process surpassed 5,000 career runs to join the legendary Sir Vivian Richards as the joint fastest West Indies to reach the milestone. For West Indies, it was a record for the highest run chase at the venue.
The victory was set up by a blistering partnership of 89 in 10 overs between Hope and allrounder Romario Shepherd. The powerfully built Shepherd used the long handle to good effect as he smashed 48 off 28 balls with 42 coming in boundaries.
The pair came together at 213-5 after debutant Sherfane Rutherford was caught on the midwicket boundary after he hit the first ball of his career over straight long off for six to the astonishment of everyone at the ground.
The two teams will return to the same venue on Wednesday for the second CG United ODI. First ball is 1:30pm (12:30pm Jamaica). (CWI)
