West Indies captain Shai Hope showcased his exceptional batting prowess again, earning himself a place among some of cricket’s most renowned players. In a crucial ICC World Cup Qualifier match against Nepal, Hope played a pivotal role in West Indies’ victory with remarkable innings.
Hope’s magnificent knock of 132 runs off just 129 balls included 10 fours and 3 sixes, contributing significantly to his team’s total of 339 for 7 in 50 overs. Partnering with Nicholas Pooran, who also played superb innings of 115 off 94 balls, Hope propelled West Indies to a commanding position.
This exceptional performance earned commentators and cricket legends praise and placed him in an esteemed company. West Indies legend and commentator Ian Bishop hailed Hope as a “run machine,” recognizing his consistent batting abilities. Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower commended Hope’s sensational conversion rate from the fifties to hundreds.
Hope’s century against Nepal marked his 15th century in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Remarkably, out of his 37 scores of 50 or more in ODIs, an impressive 22 have been converted into centuries. This level of consistency has established him as a formidable force in the international arena.
In addition to his century-scoring prowess, Hope has achieved another significant milestone. With his batting average reaching 50.26 in ODIs, he joins an elite group of players with a batting average of 50 or more after playing at least 100 innings. This places him in the esteemed company of former India captain MS Dhoni, current Indian captain Virat Kohli, and cricketing stalwarts Joe Root, Michael Bevan, and AB de Villiers.
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Hope’s achievement highlights his consistency, technical prowess, and ability to convert starts into substantial innings. As he continues to shine for West Indies, his batting average cement his status among the elite players of the modern era. With such remarkable performances, Shai Hope’s contributions will undoubtedly be crucial for West Indies’ quest for success in future tournaments.
Batters with 50+ averages in ODI Cricket (minimum 100 innings)
Player Country Batting-Average Innings
Virat Kohli India 57.32 265
AB de Villiers South Africa 53.50 218
Michael Bevan Australia 53.17 196
MS Dhoni India 50.58 297
Shai Hope West Indies 50.26 105
