Hope goes for 82 as West Indies claim big World Cup Super Eight victory over U.S.

Shai Hope scored 82 not out from 39 deliveries as the West Indies resumed their Super Eight campaign with a thumping nine-wicket victory over co-hosts the United States at the Twenty20 World Cup on Friday.

West Indies needed a win and a significant increase in their net run rate after losing to England in their first Super Eight match, and they got both at Kensington Oval, moving them into second place in Group 2 behind unbeaten South Africa, their next opponents.

Following a brief spell of rain that delayed the toss but not the start at a packed stadium, Barbadian off-spinner Roston Chase took 3-19 and pace bowler Andre Russell took 3-31 as the Americans were bowled out for 128.

West Indies overcame the low total in 10.5 overs, thanks to Hope's eight sixes and four boundaries, as well as Nicholas Pooran's 27 off 12 balls.

"Credit has to be given to the boys, we set out to achieve a goal and we did," said West Indies skipper Rovman Powell, who was already looking forward to the possibility of returning to Bridgetown for the final.

"Kensington brings special memory for us. It's a mecca of cricket in the Caribbean ... hopefully we can be here back on the 29th in a special place to play cricket."

Andries Gous helped the Americans get off to a good start, with pace bowlers Obed McCoy and Alzarri Joseph conceding 12 and 15 runs respectively in their first overs.

Gous survived a dropped chance from Joseph but was caught by Hope for 29 runs, including three fours and a six.

Akeal Hosein, a left-arm spinner, had more control at the other end with the new ball, conceding only 13 runs in his first three overs.

Chase dealt a significant blow for his team by bowling the dangerous American captain Aaron Jones for 11, and the Americans were struggling at 69-4 halfway through the innings.

Hope immediately went on the attack for the West Indies, stroking the ball to all parts of the field to reach his half-century in 28 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries, as the US fielders chased the ball across the ground in vain.

As the teams left the pitch, the Barbadian crowd greeted him rapturously, which made Hope understandably happy.

"To do it at home is a great feeling, with my parents and my friends watching," he said. "This is my favourite place to play cricket. It's our destiny and our goal to win the World Cup."

The Americans felt they were 50 runs short in their innings after being put into bat, but Jones refused to accept that their fairytale run at the tournament was over.

"Tough night to be honest with the boys," Jones said. "We weren't the best tonight, that's how it goes sometimes. We'll go back to the drawing board and come hard against England on Sunday."

The United States stay in Barbados for their final Super Eight contest, while West Indies head to Antigua for their clash against the Proteas later on Sunday.

SportsLigue