KARACHI: West Indies opening batter Shai Hope continued his red-hot form in limited overs cricket, his 12th ODI century helping the visitors set hosts Pakistan a challenging target of 306 in the first ODI of their three match series that began in Multan on Wednesday.

The backbone of the innings was a 154-run partnership between Hope and one-down Shamarh Brooks, who scored 70 of 83 deliveries.

The two men gave the innings stability and impetus after the early departure of opener Kyle Mayers, out caught-and-bowled to Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi in the third over.

The two were immovable for the next 27 overs, putting together a brisk partnership to provide the platform for an onslaught towards the later part of the innings.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz sent Mayers back in the 31st over.

Hope continued to anchor the innings before teeing off, finally dismissed by pacer Haris Rauf for 127 of 134 deliveries that included 15 boundaries and a six.

Rauf was also the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, ending with rather expensive figures of 4-77 from his quota of 10 overs. Leggie Shadab was the only bowler to escape punishment at the hands of the West Indian batters, giving away 37 runs while taking a wicket in his quota of overs.

All rounder Rovman Powell scored a brisk 32 laced with five boundaries while Romario Shepherd struck two big sixes in his 18-ball 25 to help the visitors crosss the 300 run mark.

The visitors ended the innings at 305-8.

West Indies match ends Multan’s 14-year cricket gap

West Indies won the toss and chose to bat against Pakistan in the first ODI at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, as the hosts efforts to revive the international cricket further bear fruit with the return of the game to the city of saints after 14 years.

“The wicket looks pretty dry. Obviously, the weather is a bit hot as well. I think the wicket will get a bit slower tonight. Hopefully, we can get something respectable and defend it,” West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran said in response to commentator Ian Bishop.

Pooran, who led the side to victory against the Netherlands before this tour, said the team was up to the challenge and the team would play professionally. Mario Shepherd and Rovman Powell have joined the touring side for the contest.

Hosts skipper Babar Azam said the contest was important for the Multan fans.

“Definitely, every series is important for us and we are trying to win these matches and take 30 points. There is always room for improvement and we are trying to follow the same winning momentum after beating Australia,” he said. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has debut for the hosts.

Breaking 14 years of gap

Pakistan’s match against West Indies is another feat for the hosts in its efforts for revival of the global cricket in the country.

“It is a really exciting moment for me to lead Pakistan in Multan for this all-important series. Multan is home to passionate cricket fans and it is great to be here,” Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam said while addressing a press conference in Multan.

Multan, also known as the city of saints, got the opportunity to host the series after the Pakistan Cricket Board shifted the series from Islamabad. The Multan Cricket Stadium, having a capacity of 25,000, has been host to some memorable contests since it first staged an international match in 2001 when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 264 runs in a Test that began on 29 August.

Babar, who believes in the team combination for the victory, said he was looking forward to the fans cheering the return of international cricket after a lengthy gap. “I am sure they will get to see some great cricket at the beautiful Multan Cricket Stadium.”

The three ODIs are part of the Super League cycle and both sides would give their best to secure points to advance their chances for direct qualification in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. An ODI win in the super league fixture adds 10 points to a team’s tally. Both sides have key players, who have performed in national and international cricket leagues, in their side.

The three ODIs will be played on 8, 10 and 12 June with the matches beginning at 4:00pm in view of the sweltering hot weather in the country. And, Multan is among the hottest places in the country, with temperatures reaching above 44 degrees centigrade.

“The players have been putting in a lot of effort to prepare themselves for the West Indies challenge,” said Babar, who is the world’s best batter in the limited overs (ODI and T20I) of the game.

West Indies’ 26-member squad arrived in Pakistan on June 6. They were flown to Multan via a special charter flight. They returned after winning a series against the Netherlands, securing 30 more points for World Cup qualification.

“It feels good to be here. I have confidence in our guys after we did well in the Netherlands and we are hoping to continue our good performances here in Pakistan,” West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran told reporters.

“We will try to give tough time to Pakistan.”