ODI: Hope (119*) steers West Indies to victory against Netherlands
Shai Hope struck his 11th ODI ton as West Indies defeated the Netherlands by seven wickets in the first ODI of their three-match series in Amstelveen on Tuesday.
In a rain-affected game, the hosts posted 240-7 from 45 overs and West Indies, set a revised target of 247 in 45 overs, replied with 249-3 from 43.1 overs.
Opener Hope batted through the run-chase, facing 130 balls and striking 12 fours and two sixes in his match-winning knock.
Hope and fellow Bajan Shamarh Brooks gave West Indies a solid start of 120 in 23.3 overs, with Brooks hitting three fours and two sixes in 60 off 67 balls.
Nkrumah Bonner was dismissed first ball and captain Nicholas Pooran went for seven as West Indies slipped to 133-3, but Hope and Brandon King closed out the match with a fine partnership of 116 in 16.4 overs.
King was aggressive from the onset, hitting five fours and two sixes in a career-best 58* off 51 deliveries.
Logan van Beek took 2-49 for the Netherlands, who lost momentum after being solid at 102-1 in the 22nd over.
Teja Nidamanuru (58*), Vikramjit Singh (47) and Max O’Dowd (39) were the leading scorers for the home team, with Akeal Hosein (2-29,) and Kyle Mayers (2-50) being the main wicket-takers for West Indies.
Game two in the series is on Thursday (June 2), starting at 05:00h.
