Hope, Chase inspire WI to big win over USA

Hometown boys Shai Hope and Roston Chase gave local fans plenty to shout about after inspiring West Indies to a commanding nine-wicket victory over United States in their International Cricket Council T20 World Cup match at Kensington Oval on Friday night. Before a packed crowd of more than 14 000, Hope sparkled with a stroke-filled unbeaten 82 off 39 […]

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Hometown boys Shai Hope and Roston Chase gave local fans plenty to shout about after inspiring West Indies to a commanding nine-wicket victory over United States in their International Cricket Council T20 World Cup match at Kensington Oval on Friday night.

Before a packed crowd of more than 14 000, Hope sparkled with a stroke-filled unbeaten 82 off 39 balls that helped West Indies chase down a target of 129 for the loss of only one wicket in just 10.5 overs.

His sublime effort with the bat followed Chase’s mean spell of off-spin in which he grabbed three for 19 from fours overs that stifled United States’ progress after they were sent in.

It was West Indies’ first win in the Super Eight stage following defeat against England in St Lucia on Wednesday night and having raced to their target, it significantly boosted their net run-rate.

The win moved West Indies into second place in Group 2 ahead of England – who lost earlier in the day to South Africa – on account of a higher net run-rate.

Hope, opening the batting in place of an injured Brandon King, exploded with a belligerent display that included eight sixes and four fours.

Three of those sixes were smashed in successive balls off off-spinner Milind Kumar in the ninth over and Hope ended the match in fine style with another six that was lifted over long-off and into the Hewitt & Inniss Stand.

The enterprising Nicholas Pooran also joined in the big-hitting by smashing an unbeaten 27 off 12 balls that included three sixes.

While Hope provided the fireworks that sparked wild celebrations among the crowd, it was Chase who won the Man-of-the-Match award for his outstanding spell in which he conceded less than five runs an over.

With the United States making an encouraging start to reach 48 for one off six overs in the Power Play, Chase stemmed the flow of runs after he was introduced in the tenth over. He claimed the important wicket of captain Aaron Jones and added a further two scalps as the opponents gradually declined.

Fast medium Andre Russell also claimed three wickets while pacer Alzarri Joseph picked up two wickets. 

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