Multan: West Indies on Wednesday set handsome total of 306 to Pakistan in a first match of three-match series between the two countries.
The guest team scored 305 runs after losing eight wickets. The West Indies player Shai Hope played splendid innings and scored a century.
Opener Shai Hope scored a magnificent ton as West Indies set a fight 306-run target against Pakistan in Multan on Wednesday.
Slower one
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 8, 2022@HarisRauf14 outfoxes the batter
#PAKvWI | #KhelAbhiBaqiHai pic.twitter.com/8WyXUnNWNo
Hosting the first ODI after a gap of over 14 years, the game hasn’t disappointed so far at the venue. Fans witnessed a mixed batted on a batting-friendly track of the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Despite suffering an early bowl in the shape of Kyle Mayers’ wicket after opting to bat, the visitors kept the scoreboard running.
The pair of Hope and Shamarh Brooks was outstanding with the bat, as they safely negotiated the threat of Pakistan spin attack in the middle.
306 is the target for Pakistan
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 8, 2022#PAKvWI | #KhelAbhiBaqiHai pic.twitter.com/Zpgkfc3Gr1
They made a 154-run stand for the second wicket, to bring their team back in the game. Their partnership was broken by Mohammad Nawaz in the 31st over of the innings.
Brook (70) was sent packing by the spinner courtesy of a breathtaking catch from the Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan.
The highlights from Shai Hope's phenomenal ton
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 8, 2022#PAKvWI | #KhelAbhiBaqiHai pic.twitter.com/75nHpWhcWk
His departure didn’t stop the runs flow from the visitors. Skipper Nicholas Pooran, who showed aggressive intent with the bat, hitting three maximums for 21, was removed by Haris Rauf. Hope kept the scoreboard ticking from the other end with Rovman Powell in the middle.
Hope completed his 12th ODI century for the West Indies – his first against Pakistan and seventh in Asia. He departed after scoring 127 – the highest individual score at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Romario Shepherd (32) and Powell (25) added finishing touches to the innings as the visitors reached 305-8 in their 50 overs.
.@windiescricket CEO Johnny Grave enjoying the first ODI between #PAKvWI alongside PCB chairman Ramiz Raja.#KhelAbhiBaqiHai pic.twitter.com/A6mN68T2mC
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 8, 2022
For the home side, Shadab Khan bowled an economical spell, where he registered figures of one for 37 in his 10 overs. Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two wickets in the game.
Haris Rauf had an expensive outing with the ball as he registered figures of four for 77 in his 10 overs.