Shai Hope scored an unbeaten hundred as WI Best ‘A’ built a commanding lead of 283 runs over WI Best ‘B’ at the end of day two of the BestvBest four-day match at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on Tuesday (June 1).
The Barbadian middle-order batsman, who made 79 in the first innings, struck nine fours and six sixes in his 104 to lead his side to 197 for 3 at stumps. At the other end is Captain Jermaine Blackwood, who is on 23.
Hope featured in two 50-run partnerships during his almost three hours at the crease – 54 in a third-wicket stand with Kyle Mayers, who made 40, and 63 so far with Blackwood for the fourth wicket. He had put on 42 in an opening partnership with Darren Bravo, who made 17.
‘NICE TO GET BACK OUT THERE’
Bravo was thrust into the opening slot as John Campbell was unable to bat, suffering from knee pain.
“It’s been a while since I have been able to spend some time in the middle like that and it’s just nice to get back out there in the middle and get in the flow of things,” Hope said afterwards.
“I’ve been middling the ball pretty well. It’s been a pretty challenging track so it’s just nice to get some runs under my belt and some time as well.”
“I was still trying to make sure I played each ball on merit and be disciplined but it’s about making sure the bowlers don’t settle and put pressure back onto them.”
Shai Hope
Hope scored his runs at a pretty fair clip with his 104 coming from 132 balls. He said it was down to intent.
“I was still trying to make sure I played each ball on merit and be disciplined but it’s about making sure the bowlers don’t settle and put pressure back onto them,” he explained.
Jayden Searles is the best of the ‘B’ bowlers so far with 2-28.
Earlier, WI Best ‘B’ resumed from their overnight score of 44-4.
Roston Chase on five and Paul Palmer on naught, were the batsmen at the crease. However, Palmer failed to add to his overnight score leaving the “B’ side 57 for 5.
Chase and Raymon Reifer then put on 57 for the sixth wicket when Chase fell for 35.
Their final score of 178 was achieved thanks to a 26-run 10th wicket stand between Searles, who made seven and Reifer, who remained unbeaten on 60.
Nial Smith took 3-35. Gabriel finished with 2-16 while Harding had 2-61.
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