West Indies stay alive, face South Africa today

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Shai Hope’s hurricane knock of 82 not out kept West Indies alive in the T20 World Cup as the hosts rolled over the US by nine wickets with 9.1 overs to spare at the Kingston Oval Cricket Stadium Bridgetown. 

Following a close loss against England in the Super 8 Stage, West Indies came back strongly to achieve an easy win against the US. Set to chase 129 runs for win, West Indies managed the target in just 10.5 overs, raising their run rate ahead of the all-important clash against South Africa at the Viv Richards Stadium on Sunday (today).

A victory against South Africa will take West Indies to the semifinals.

Following Friday’s win, West Indies raised their run rate well ahead of other teams.

Hope struck eight sixes and four boundaries in his 39-ball unbeaten knock to enthrall a packed to-capacity crowd.

Nicholas Pooran (27 not out) also smashed three sixes during his 12-ball unbeaten knock.

Earlier, spinner Roston Chase (3-19), who was later named Man of the Match, was instrumental in bowling out the US for 128. Bowling in front of the home crowd, he accounted for key batsmen, picking up Aaron Jones (11), Corey Anderson (7) and Harmeet Singh (0) to reduce the US to 88 for 6. Andre Russell (3-31) also bowled well.

“No respite from here on. If we want to win the World Cup, we have to win each and every game from here on. We have to be at our best against South Africa to make it into the semis,” Chase said.

Rovman Powell praised Hope’s entertaining knock, saying it was all West Indies aimed at ahead of the match.

“Good to see everyone clicking here, especially Hope who came back strongly after missing one match.” Earlier, Andries Gous (29) was the only notable run-getter for the US.