Hope’s unbeaten 82 helps West Indies crush USA in T20 World Cup
BRIDGETOWN: In a scintillating display of power hitting, Shai Hope led the West Indies to a resounding nine-wicket victory over co-hosts the United States at the Twenty20 World Cup on Friday. Hope’s unbeaten 82 off just 39 balls, studded with eight sixes and four boundaries, revitalized West Indies’ Super Eight campaign at the Kensington Oval.
After suffering a setback against England in their opening Super Eight clash, West Indies needed both a victory and a significant boost to their net run rate. They accomplished both with aplomb, moving into second place in Group 2 behind the unbeaten South Africa, their next opponents.
A brief spell of rain delayed the toss, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of a packed stadium. West Indies’ bowlers set the tone with an impressive performance. Barbadian off-spinner Roston Chase took 3-19, while pace bowler Andre Russell grabbed 3-31, restricting the Americans to a modest total of 128.
West Indies’ chase was swift and decisive. Hope’s explosive innings was complemented by Nicholas Pooran, who contributed a quick-fire 27 from 12 balls. The duo’s aggressive batting ensured that the target was chased down in just 10.5 overs.
“Credit has to be given to the boys, we set out to achieve a goal and we did,” said West Indies skipper Rovman Powell. With this victory, Powell is already looking forward to the possibility of returning to Bridgetown for the final, buoyed by the team’s impressive performance.(Reuters)
