WI vs ENG, 1st ODI: Shai Hope recalls chat with MS Dhoni after sensational century in 326 chase vs England

West Indies were reeling at 220 for 5 at the end of the 40th over in their chase of 326 against England in the first ODI and it looked like the visitors, led by Jos Buttler, were chipping away with the contest at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Having lost Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford in quick succession, the West Indies faced an uphill task as they needed 106 in the last 10 overs.

WI vs ENG 1st ODI: Highlights | Scorecard

However, captain Shai Hope and Mumbai Indians’ new recruit Romario Shepherd were on fire in the end overs as West Indies chased down the target with 7 deliveries to spare.

106 is the second-highest tally of runs chased in the last 10 overs of an ODI team after Pakistan’s 109 against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2014. Breaking a 9-year-old record, West Indies pulled off a sensational win, bringing delight to the crowd at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

At the center of it all was the captain, Shai Hope, as he hit 109 not out in just 83 balls, smashing 7 sixes and 4 boundaries. Giving him great company during an 89-run stand for the 6th wicket was Romario Shepherd, who hit 3 sixes and 4 boundaries for his 29-ball 48.

West Indies needed 19 runs in the last 2 overs and Shai Hope took matters in his own hands as he hit Sam Curran for 3 sixes in the penultimate over to take the team past the finish line.

Recalling a piece of advice from former India captain MS Dhoni, Shai Hope said he understood that there is always more time than one things, especially in the longer format of the white-ball game.

“I had a chat with MS Dhoni some time back and he told me that you always have a lot more time at the crease than you think and that stuck with me,” Shai Hope said after West Indies’s 4-wicket win.

“The century was in a winning cause and that’s all I play for. Happy that we won,” he added.

HOPE LAUDS SHEPHERD, ATHANAZE

Sam Curran had a forgettable night with the ball as he conceded 98 runs, the most by an England bowler in an ODI match, going Steve Harmison’s tally of 97.

Hope heaped praise on Romario Shepherd and openers Alick Athanaze and Brandon King, who set a solid platform for the chase with a 104-run opening stand.

“Shepherd was amazing. We got the win, started the series on a high and the aim is to repeat it next game. Their openers played really well, we need to try to start a bit better in the next game. Nice to see the openers taking responsibility, theyre both great players. Its about seeing how we can continue to repeat these performances,” he added.

There were positives for England. Harry Brook top-scored with 71 off 72 balls while opener Phil Salt amassed 45 off 28. Curran did better with the bat than ball, hitting 38 off 26, and Brydon Carse scored 31 not out off 21 to lift England beyond 300 after a middle-order wobble.

Rehan Ahmed (2-40) was the pick of England’s attack but they were unable to pin down a side which failed to qualify for the recently-concluded World Cup in India.