A magnificent century by Shai Hope powered West Indies to a thrilling four-wicket victory over England in the first of three one day internationals at North Sound on Sunday.
Set 326 for victory, captain Hope anchored the West Indies reply and then produced some savage hitting to guide his team home with seven balls remaining, finishing on 109 not out.
Hope smashed three sixes off the penultimate over off the hapless Sam Curran to reach three figures and seal victory.
It was West Indies’ highest-ever ODI run chase against England, surpassing the 286 they managed at Lord’s in 2004, and their second highest against any opponents.
England was hoping to put their World Cup failure behind them and when West Indies slumped to 213-5 in the 38th over it appeared that they were in control.
But Hope, in partnership with the explosive Romario Shepherd, turned the match on its head as they put on 89 in 51 balls for the sixth wicket.
Shepherd was eventually out for 48 having hit three sixes but by then Hope was well and truly in the groove.
West Indies has earlier started well in their chase with Alick Athanazen (66) and Brandon King (35) putting on a century for the opening wicket but England hit back with Rehan Ahmed taking two wickets for 40 in 10 tight overs.
England’s bowlers did a decent job at hauling West Indies back but Curran came in for some mighty punishment, conceding 98 runs — the most ever for England in ODIs.
The next match takes place on Wednesday.
