Shai Hope produced another high-class innings to carry West Indies to a competitive total, once again proving why he is regarded as their most reliable ODI batter. In a shortened 34-overs-a-side contest, the West Indies captain controlled the innings from the moment he walked out, reaching his 19th ODI century and adding yet another milestone to his growing list of achievements. Hope also became the second fastest West Indian to reach 6000 ODI runs. He got there in 142 innings while the legendary Viv Richards took 141. His latest hundred means he now has ODI centuries against every Test-playing nation. In terms of overall ODI hundreds for West Indies, Chris Gayle leads the list with 25 from 291 innings. Hope stands second with 19 from only 142 innings. Brian Lara also made 19 ODI centuries but played 285 innings. This knock included a stunning 66-ball century against New Zealand in New Zealand. Hope held the innings together as wickets kept falling around him. West Indies had a difficult beginning because Jamieson and Henry found movement both ways and created constant problems. Campbell and Carty went early. Auguste started well but failed to convert and West Indies slipped to 86 for 5. Greaves offered some steadiness and added 44 alongside Hope, which helped settle the innings. After that, quick contributions from Shepherd and Forde pushed the scoring rate up. Hope balanced calm decision making with well-timed aggression throughout, guiding the visitors to a late surge. West Indies scored 111 runs in the last nine overs to finish strongly. New Zealand’s bowlers lost control in the death overs. Nathan Smith took four wickets and Jamieson claimed three, making them the most successful bowlers for the hosts.
