Shai Hope and Roston Chase thrilled local fans with standout performances, leading West Indies to a commanding nine-wicket victory over the United States in their ICC T20 World Cup match at Kensington Oval on Friday night.
In front of a packed crowd of more than 14,000, Hope dazzled with an unbeaten 82 off 39 balls, helping West Indies chase down a target of 129 for the loss of only one wicket in just 10.5 overs. His brilliant innings featured eight sixes and four fours, three of which came in successive balls off off-spinner Milind Kumar in the ninth over. Hope sealed the match in style with a six over long-off into the Hewitt & Inniss Stand.
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Nicholas Pooran contributed to the big-hitting with an unbeaten 27 off 12 balls, including three sixes, complementing Hope’s explosive display.
Chase set the stage for Hope’s heroics with a superb spell of off-spin, taking three wickets for 19 runs from four overs. His bowling stifled the United States’ progress after they were sent in to bat. Chase’s performance earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.
West Indies’ victory, their first in the Super Eight stage following a defeat to England in St Lucia on Wednesday, significantly boosted their net run-rate and moved them into second place in Group 2 ahead of England, who lost to South Africa earlier in the day.
Chase’s introduction in the tenth over was pivotal as he claimed the crucial wicket of United States captain Aaron Jones and added two more scalps, halting the opponents’ momentum. The United States, who had made a promising start to reach 48 for one off six overs in the Power Play, gradually declined under Chase’s pressure.
Fast-medium bowler Andre Russell also took three wickets, while pacer Alzarri Joseph picked up two, contributing to the West Indies’ dominant performance.
