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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.

Notably, the third match of the series will be played on March 21 at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

Here’s how Twitter reacted –

Shai Hope is some player 👌 Easy on the eye,hits it crisp and always finding the gaps. Reminds me of Rassie, not explosive players but they keep the scoreboard ticking over. #CricketTwitter #SAvsWI

06:53 PM · Mar 18, 2023

Highest Score by a Men’s ODI Captain in an unsuccessful run-chase: ▫️ Temba Bavuma 144 vs WI, Mar 2023 ▫️ Graeme Smith 141 vs Eng, Sep 2009 ▫️ Virat Kohli 123 vs Aus, March 2019

01:08 AM · Mar 19, 2023

3 Hundreds in India 2 Hundreds in Bangladesh 2 Hundreds in Ireland 2 Hundreds in West Indies 1 Hundred in South Africa 1 Hundred in Zimbabwe 1 Hundred in Pakistan 1 Hundred in Sri Lanka 1 Hundred in Netherlands Average over 50 in ODI with 12 away hundreds – This is Shai Hope.

08:21 PM · Mar 18, 2023

Only one word to describe Shai Hope. Unstoppable. 14 ODI hundreds and 12 of them have come away from home which is often a rarity. Only his 11th time batting at 4 but it didn’t matter. Superb knock 🙌. #SAvWI

Highest ODI average away from home (min 2000 runs): Shai Hope 63.41 Virat Kohli 56.87 Babar Azam 55.67

02:43 AM · Mar 19, 2023

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