Shai Hope’s perfect 109 causes England even more suffering

2023.12.04

With his 16th ODI century, the West Indies captain secures a four-wicket victory.

West Indies 326 for 6 (Hope 109*, Athanaze 66) beat England 325 (Brook 71) by four wickets

In an exciting conclusion to the first ODI in Antigua on Sunday, December 3, West Indies stunned England thanks to a stunning century from Shai Hope. With 1.1 overs remaining and four wickets in hand, the West Indies skipper struck a brilliant 109 off 83 balls, including seven sixes and four fours, to help the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

West Indies scored 104 runs on a track that was sluggish at times and stayed low, thanks in large part to the solid foundation set by their openers, including an almost run-a-ball 66 from Alick Athanaze. However, Rehan Ahmed bowled him leg-before, and Brandon King bowled him shortly thereafter. After having trouble getting going, Keacy Carty was LBW to a player who kept low off Brydon Carse. West Indies were able to maintain the chase because to a productive 56-run partnership between Hope and Shimron Hetmyer.

Gus Atkinson ruined the fourth wicket partnership by getting rid of Hetmyer with a short delivery, and just after Hope had reached his fifty, Sherfane Rutherford was out trying a huge smash off Rehan Ahmed. It was a difficult assignment for the hosts, who need a particular effort from one of their players, as they needed 116 off the final 10 overs and the West Indies were already five down. Hope, who was on 57 off 58, took the lead and Romario Shepherd gave him solid assistance.

Sam Curran was on the receiving end, as both hitters pushed him around Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Curran gave up 15 runs in the 45th over, which featured a four from Shepherd and a six from Hope, while Shepherd scored 19 runs off of two sixes and a four in the 43rd over. West Indies made another advantage in the 47th over when Carse gave up 17 runs and Hope smashed a six to bring the team to 300. After Shepherd was out leg before wicket off a slower delivery from Atkinson, the equation read 24 off 18, and Atkinson delivered a clean over, leaving West Indies requiring 19 off 12. Hope ended up hitting Curran with three sixes to ensure that it didn’t go too far.it off in style, with the second maximum helping him bring up his 16th ODI hundred.

Earlier, England reached an above-par total thanks to a powerful batting effort headed by Harry Brook’s stroke-filled 71. The majority of England’s batsmen were given starts, and five of them reached thirty or more. Only Brook, though, reached fifty as the visitors lost wickets often but still managed to amass a sizable score.

England was on track for a large score thanks to a 71-run partnership between Brook and Zak Crawley, but the West Indies were able to score anytime England seemed like they could blow the lead. Within four overs, Crawley and Buttler were removed from the game, and as a result, England was unable to build momentum heading into the second half. When the other hitters failed to consistently hit at the proper tempo, Brook batted with remarkable clarity because he had perfect time from the start. Nine overs remained when Brook and Liam Livingstone fell consecutively, leaving England at 239/7.

The visitors appeared to be headed for a total well over 330 after their strong start, but these wickets made it seem unlikely that they would reach even 300. But with vital cameos from Sam Curran and Brydon Carse, the total rose to 325. Despite the rare bit of luck that went their way, both hitters shown intent right away and smacked the ball cleanly. After mounting a valiant comeback in the middle overs, the West Indies were guilty of losing the plot in the last overs. For the hosts, Motie shared two wickets apiece with Romario Shepherd and Oshane Thomas.

Brief scores: England 325 in 50 overs (Harry Brook 71, Zak Crawley 48; Gudakesh Motie 2-49, Oshane Thomas 2-57) lost to West Indies 326/6 in 48.5 overs (Shai Hope 109*, Alick Athanaze 66; Rehan Ahmed 2-40) by 4 wickets.

@charith