Shai Hope hit a brilliant unbeaten half-century to follow up Roston Chase’s four-wicket haul as Cricket West Indies’ President’s XI dominated Sri Lanka on Wednesday. After bowling out the visitors for just 172 just after tea, the President’s XI reached the close on 103-1 with Hope unbeaten on a stroke-filled 60 off just 72 balls.
Hope was a picture of class as he played a number of stunning shots – the two best which went for sixes. The first was a nonchalant flick over deep square leg and the second a slog sweep over of great authority which cleared wide long-on by some distance.
He has also hit ten fours so far. Left-hander Darren Bravo ended the day on a solid 30 not out off 69 balls, and has so far put on 94 for the second wicket with Hope.
Chase had earlier picked up 4-12 as Sri Lanka collapsed from 137-5 to lose their last five wickets for 35 runs in quick time. Oshada Fernando top-scored with 47, Dinesh Chandimal struck 40 while Pathum Nissanka, made 23.
Sri Lanka were never allowed to settle, as fast bowler Anderson Phillip snatched 3-47 and seamer Kemar Roach, 2-41 to cause problems from early in the innings. Roach removed both openers in successive overs. He got left-hander Lahiru Thirimanne to play around a full length delivery gained a leg-before decision in the day’s third over.
He then had captain Dimuth Karunaratne (2) caught at first slip by Kyle Mayers after Chase at second slip parried the initial offering. There were also four catches for wicket-keeper Jahmar Hamilton, who demonstrated excellent glovework behind the stumps.
Speaking after the day’s play’s bowling consultant Sir Curtly Ambrose said he was very pleased with the team’s efforts with both the ball and later on with the bat.
“I am very delighted. Everything that we spoke about we put into play and it worked perfectly for us. We thought if we starved them of runs and give them nothing that would do the trick. We bowled in good areas and we ‘nicked off’ a few of their best batsmen. It was a good, complete bowling performance,” Ambrose said.
The match continues on Thursday. (CWI)
