Shai Hope's ubeaten ton powered the West Indies to a historic four-wicket triumph in the opening clash of the three-match ODI series against England at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday.
Facing a challenging target of 326, the West Indies captain, Hope, steered the team through a precarious phase and unleashed a flurry of powerful shots.
His unbeaten 109, punctuated by three sixes off Sam Curran in the penultimate over, clinched the victory and surpassed the previous record of 276 for the highest successful run-chase at the venue.
Hope's innings, comprising 83 deliveries and featuring seven sixes and four fours, earned him the "Man of the Match" award.
While acknowledging his personal achievement, Hope attributed the team's success to Shepherd's remarkable contribution.
Shepherd's blazing 48 off 28 balls in a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 89 helped West Indies recover from a challenging position at 213 for five in the 39th over.
Reflecting on the match, Hope emphasised his focus on winning games rather than individual records. He praised Shepherd, describing him as someone dependable and consistently valuable at the international level.
In the earlier stages, England's Harry Brook played a vital role in holding the innings together, contributing 71 off 72 balls.
Despite the competitive total of 325 all out, the West Indies bowlers, including Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, and Oshane Thomas, managed to control the scoring rate on the two-paced surface.
Jos Buttler, England's captain, acknowledged the West Indies' exceptional effort with the bat and highlighted Hope's special innings, supported by Shepherd. Following a World Cup debacle in India, England now find itself in a must-win situation heading into the second match at the same venue on Wednesday.
