Shai Hope's sublime century led West Indies to a stunning four-wicket win over England in the first one-day international in Antigua.

Hope smashed 109 not out from just 83 balls as the hosts chased down 326 to win with seven balls to spare.

Needing an unlikely 106 from the last 10 overs with five wickets left, captain Hope was supported by Romario Shepherd's 48 from 28 balls.

Hope then finished the chase in style with three sixes in the 49th over.

England were firm favourites at the halfway stage on a tricky pitch that was offering uneven bounce and turn for the spinners.

In their first outing since a disappointing group-stage exit at the World Cup, England started emphatically after winning the toss as openers Phil Salt and Will Jacks blitzed an opening stand of 77 in just 8.2 overs.

They somewhat squandered the positive start, however, with all of the top five reaching at least 20, but only Harry Brook able to kick on past a half-century with 71 from 72 balls.

Late cameos from Sam Curran and Brydon Carse, with an eighth-wicket stand of 66, propelled the score past 300.

A West Indies victory looked even more unlikely when they lost both openers in successive overs after a promising 104-run opening stand, exposing an inexperienced middle order.

But Hope timed his knock to perfection, biding his time alongside the aggression of Shepherd and Shimron Hetmyer, who made 32, before accelerating in the death overs once both had departed - taking a particular liking to Curran, who finished with 0-98.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1410 HRS, DEC 04, 2023
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