Once considered a powerhouse in cricket, West Indies team had faced disappointment when they failed to qualify for the recently concluded ODI World Cup. The setback was met with ridicule and trolling from critics and fans alike and hence, the match against England was a true test of their mettle. The Shai Hope-led side displayed immense character, which was missing in the ODI format for a long time now.
England, on the other hand, are going through a tough period as far as ODI cricket is concerned. Following a disappointing World Cup in India, the Three Lions changed their ODI set-up but failed to get the result. Harry Brook, who barely got an opportunity in the marquee tournament, hit 71 runs while Phil Salt and Zak Crawley hit 45 and 48 runs respectively.
Skipper Jos Buttler once again had a very poor game with the bat. Known as a brilliant white-ball player, the 33-year-old is struggling with his form and that’s concerning, as the captain needs to lead by example in what is considered to be a rough phase for England cricket. Nevertheless, Sam Curran (38) and Brydon Chase (31*) helped the team finish well with the bat as England posted 325 runs in the first innings.
Chasing a formidable target, the West Indies openers gave a perfect start. Alick Athanaze led the proceedings and hit 66 runs while his opening partner Brandon King hit 35 runs. Their opening partnership of 104 runs set the tone for the West Indies as skipper Shai Hope later hit an incredible century to take the game away from England. Hope was been a force to reckon with in ODI cricket and he delivered once again against a good bowling attack.
Courtesy of his 109* runs off 83 deliveries and 49* runs off 28 deliveries from Romario Shephard, West Indies managed to win the match by four wickets. They needed to accelerate in the last few overs and that’s when Shepahard’s blistering show came in handy, as West Indies pulled off a thriller.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Good win for West Indies today. Highest successful run chase in the Caribbean in ODI cricket. Shai Hope continues to be the benchmark for Caribbean cricket excellence in this format.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 3, 2023
England was once a Champion team. Read that again.#ENGvWI #ENGvsWI #WIvENG #WIvsENG
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) December 3, 2023
Historic & Incredible Match. An Important & Precious Win for the Windies. Shai Hope Hero of the Match & What a Way To Bring Up an 100. Eng You were Completely Blown Away by the Windies #ENGvsWI #ENGvWI #ShaiHope https://t.co/xOXTxBHnAa
— Maraal Jay (@MaraalJay) December 4, 2023
Yet another stellar performance by the unsung hero in ODIs, clinching a victory for WI. Matching Sir Viv Richards as the quickest West Indies batsman to reach 5000 ODI runs! #ShaiHope #ENGvWI https://t.co/BKObLccgua
— Jalal (@R_shelgarai) December 3, 2023
West Indies won the match. #sundayvibes #ENGVWI #WIvENG
— Mahboob Malik (@mahboob_malik) December 3, 2023
A West Indies victory at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in front of Viv Richards.
Special day for Sir Viv and West Indies.❤🔥#WIvENG #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Bs0eIj2XBl
— Cricmania (@cricmania88) December 3, 2023
What an innings from Shai Hope!
To think 5/6 players are currently playing the ADT10.. this side didn’t qualify for the CWC remember
👏🏼 👏🏼 #ENGvWI #ShaiHope
— Nikki Chaudhuri (@NikkiChaudhuri) December 3, 2023
Shai Hope wins it for West Indies chasing their highest total in the Caribbean. Hope has been a rock for WI in ODIs, Shepherd was instrumental too with his power hitting. Carry was absymal with his 16 of 39 putting WI in a hole, can’t bat like that chasing 300+#ENGvWI #WIvsENG
— Vivek Yadav (@Vivek67320134) December 3, 2023
Whats gone wrong with England ODI #cricket? They have an insane team and yet they keep losing. Under Butler – baring the great T20 world cup win it has been absolute shambles in basically both the formats. #ENGvWI
— Baniii (@lazybanz) December 3, 2023
WI win the ODI against England and chased down 326. Shai Hope scored 109* (83) and won the game for his team. #ENGvWI https://t.co/JEF3oKfoPg pic.twitter.com/Wj0TXQuv9K
— Anas (@Anoss_06) December 3, 2023
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