Shai Hope Surpasses Brian Lara as West Indies' Second-Highest ODI Centurion

Shai Hope Achieves Milestone in ODI Cricket

Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 30: In a remarkable performance during the second ODI against India, West Indies captain Shai Hope surpassed the legendary Brian Lara to become the second-highest century-maker for the West Indies in One Day Internationals.

Playing at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, Hope scored 104 runs off 94 deliveries, hitting eight fours and three sixes, achieving a strike rate exceeding 110.

This century marks Hope's 20th in his ODI career, which spans 157 matches, moving him ahead of Lara, who accumulated 19 centuries in 295 ODIs from 1990 to 2007. The record for the most centuries in ODIs for the West Indies is held by Chris Gayle, known as the 'Universe Boss,' with 25 centuries in 298 ODIs from 1999 to 2019.

Hope has consistently excelled against India, particularly on their home ground. In 16 ODIs played in India, he has amassed 857 runs at an impressive average of 71.41, including four centuries and three fifties, with a top score of 123 not out.

This year, Hope has scored a total of 315 runs in nine ODIs, averaging 45.00 with a strike rate of 89.74, which includes one century and two fifties.

Overall, Hope has been a vital player in ODIs, accumulating 6,428 runs in 157 matches at an average of 50.21, featuring 20 centuries and 32 fifties, with a personal best of 170.

In the match, India won the toss and opted to field first. The West Indies posted their highest-ever ODI total of 405/7, thanks to explosive centuries from John Campbell (101 runs off 68 balls), Shai Hope (104 runs off 94 balls), and Amir Jangoo (114 runs off 77 balls).

Indian bowlers struggled against the West Indies' batting onslaught, with Gurnoor Brar (2/96), debutant Auqib Nabi (0/84 in 8.5 overs), and Ravindra Jadeja (2/75) facing the brunt of the attack. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for India, taking 2 wickets for 65 runs.