West Indies’ Shai Hope hit his maiden One-day International (ODI) century but could take his side past the line as they stuttered to a dramatic tie with Zimbabwe in a triangular series clash in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Chasing Zimbabwe’s total of 257, West Indies looked well on course as as Hope notched up 101 in just his second ODI appearance. But his dismissal sparked a late collapse.
The tourists went into the final over needing just four runs to win off seamer Donald Tiripano, but lost three wickets - two of them to run-outs - to finish on 257 for eight.
“We should have won the game, but that’s cricket,” said West Indies captain Jason Holder was quoted by AFP as saying. “It’s important for the guys to learn from this occasion. As a young team we just need to think a bit more when we get into these tight positions.”
Zimbabwe take on Sri Lanka at the same Queen Sports Club venue on Monday in the next game of the series.
Brief scores
Zimbabwe 257 (Ervine 92, Raza 77, Carlos Brathwaite 4/48) tied with West Indies 257/8, (Hope 101, Kraigg Brathwaite 78, Tiripano 2/26 Williams 2/52).
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