Hope stars with a ton as Windies set Pakistan 306-run target in first ODI

MULTAN: West Indies starter Shai Hope led the way for his team with a brilliant century as the touring team set Pakistan a commendable target of 306 runs in the first ODI, here on Wednesday.

After opting to bat first, the tour team got off to a poor start when Shaheen Shah Afridi struck in the third to give Pakistan their first lead as Kyle Mayers left after scoring just three.

After this early disaster, wicket-keeper batsman Hope and Shamarh Brooks teamed up to anchor the innings and frustrated the hosts’ bowlers with a staggering partnership of 154 runs for the second wicket.

However, Brooks, who looked top-notch, missed trying to hit the ball against Mohammad Nawaz when Shadab Khan’s length provided a much-needed drive for the Greenshirts. He scored 70 of 83 balls with the help of seven bounds.

Hope, on the other hand, stood firm and went on to crush a magnificent century. He anchored the innings with his brilliant hitting as the tour side lost wickets at an alarming rate.

Right-handed hitter Hope took his bat to 44 over a slower pitch from Haris Rauf that castled him. He remained the top scorer for his team with 127 of 134 balls, tied with 15 bounds and a six.

Following his departure, cameos from Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd sped up the process and backed the touring team to finish at 305/8 in the allotted 50 overs. Powell scored 32 while Shepherd scored 25 on 18 balls.

For Pakistan, Haris led the way with four wickets but it was costly, while Shaheen claimed two for 55.

Nawaz and Shadab, on the other hand, each made a scalp.

READ: Kane rescues England to draw 1-1 against Germany in the Nations League