In a breathtaking display of skill and composure, Shai Hope guided the West Indies to a remarkable victory over England in Antigua on Sunday. Hope’s unbeaten 109 off 83 balls not only secured his 16th ODI century but also marked the fastest of his career, as he single-handedly propelled his team to victory with three consecutive sixes off Sam Curran.
The West Indian skipper’s innings also marked a personal milestone, making him the 11th West Indies batter to reach 5000 runs in men’s ODIs. Achieving this feat in his 114th innings, Hope joined the ranks of the fastest batters to reach this landmark, standing alongside legends like Viv Richards and Virat Kohli.
The post-match presentation witnessed Hope drawing inspiration from none other than the legendary MS Dhoni, recalling a conversation where Dhoni advised him, “You always have a lot more time than you think.” This piece of advice resonated with Hope, influencing his approach during the crucial moments of the match.
Hope’s assault on Curran in the penultimate over included a spectacular full-toss dispatched over wide long-on, followed by a powerful pull shot over deep midwicket that brought up his century. The third six mirrored the second, securing a four-wicket triumph for the West Indies with seven balls to spare.
Speaking to CWI’s in-house channels, Hope revealed the strategy behind targeting that specific over, considering the field dimensions and the challenging wind factor. “Regardless of what happened, I was going to try and take down that second-to-last over to give us the best chance of winning the game,” he explained.
Hope, who assumed the role of West Indies’ full-time ODI captain earlier this year, has showcased exceptional form with the bat since his appointment. Moving down to No. 4 in the batting order has proven to be a successful adjustment, reflected in both his improved average and strike rate compared to his overall career record.
“It feels good, man. It contributed to a win, so I’m just happy that the guys got over the line,” remarked Hope, emphasizing his focus on team victories rather than individual statistics.
Hope acknowledged the pivotal role played by Romario Shepherd, who contributed 48 off 28 balls during an 89-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Praising Shepherd’s dependability, Hope expressed satisfaction with starting the series on a high note and set his sights on replicating the success in the upcoming games.
The West Indies’ run chase, their second-highest in men’s ODIs, was initiated by the impressive opening stand of 104 runs between Alick Athanaze and Brandon King. Hope highlighted the need for consistency and belief in the dressing room, emphasizing the team’s ability to secure victories from any position.
As Hope’s record-breaking innings becomes a defining moment in West Indies cricket, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of such stellar performances in the remainder of the series against England.
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