West Indies rode on half-centuries from Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Jason Holder to post a commanding 297 in 49.3 overs. In reply, Gajanand Singh’s unbeaten century went in vain as the United States lost the encounter by 39 runs.
The West Indies started their World Cup Qualifiers with a 39-run victory over the United States in the second match at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Sunday.
Contributions from Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, and Jason Holder helped the West Indies post a commanding total of 297 runs in 49.3 overs. Despite Gajanand Singh’s unbeaten century for the United States, they fell short and lost the match.
Opting to bowl first, the United States made an early impact as Brandon King was dismissed without scoring. Kyle Mayers also fell quickly, leaving the West Indies struggling at 14 runs for the loss of both openers during the PowerPlay. However, Charles and Hope stabilized the innings with a 115-run partnership for the third wicket.
Both batsmen recorded valuable half-centuries to rescue the West Indies. Charles scored 54 runs off 66 balls, while Hope made 54 runs off 60 balls. After their dismissals, Nicholas Pooran took on the role of the finisher with a quickfire 43 off 28 balls, including three sixes and two boundaries. Roston Chase contributed a timely run-a-ball knock of 55 runs, featuring four boundaries and a six.
Chase and Pooran built a 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket, and a crucial 74-run stand off 57 deliveries between Holder and Chase provided a strong finish to the West Indies innings. Holder played a brilliant knock, scoring 56 runs off just 40 balls with three sixes and two boundaries.
Chasing 298 runs for victory, the United States lost wickets at regular intervals. Mayers and Holder took early wickets, reducing the opposition to 97 runs for the loss of five wickets. However, Gajanand’s unbeaten 101 off 109 balls kept the United States in contention as he formed partnerships with Aaron Jones and Shayan Jahangir.
Despite the efforts of Gajanand, the United States lost Jones and Jahangir. Gajanand then partnered with N Kenjige to put on an unbeaten 76-run stand for the eighth wicket off 61 balls. However, the West Indies bowlers held their nerve and closed out the match, keeping their hopes of World Cup qualification alive.
Brief Scores: West Indies 297 all out in 49.3 Overs (Charles 66, Hope 54, Pooran 43, Chase 55, Holder 56, Taylor 3/53) beats United States 258/7 in 50 Overs (Gajanand 101*, Mayers 2/30, Joseph 2/68) by 39 runs.
Player of the Match: Jason Holder
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