SA vs WI: Shai Hope’s masterclass seals the win for West Indies

After suffering defeats in both the Test matches, West Indies started the ODI series with a thumping win over host South Africa. Skipper Shai Hope led by example with the bat while Alzarri Joseph and Akeal Hossain were really impressive with the ball. Notably, for the Proteas, their poor form in the 50-over format continues. Even though the side recently managed to defeat the current world champions England (2-1) in their home series but over the last year, they haven’t been up to the mark courtesy of which, they are currently placed ninth in the ODI Super League points table.

Coming to the match, skipper Shai Hope stole the show with his brilliant 128* runs off 115 deliveries. He paced his innings well after Brandon King and Kyle Mayers managed to give West Indies a steady start. In the middle order, Nicholas Pooran (39) and Rovman Powell (46) played their part well as West Indies posted a healthy total of 335 runs in the first innings.

Meanwhile, in the absence of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell, Proteas’ bowling attack looked pale. Young sensation Gerald Coetzee picked up three wickets while Tabraiz Shamsi and Bjorn Fortuin picked up two each. Although it was a great opportunity for the side to test their bench strength, South Africa dearly missed the prevalence of experience in the middle.

Coming to the chase, stumper-batter Quinton de Kock and skipper Temba Bavuma gave South Africa a perfect start, adding 76 runs for the first wicket. Bavuma played one of the finest innings of his career, scoring 144 runs off 118 deliveries. Despite his valiant efforts, South Africa suffered a 48-run defeat as their middle order failed to put up a show. Spinner Akeal Hossain ran havoc in the middle overs courtesy of which, South Africa were restricted from establishing their authority in the middle overs.