West Indies have dramatically chased down 325 to record a four-wicket victory over England in the first one-day international.
While England were producing a succession of poor performances at the 2023 World Cup, West Indies were at home having failed to qualify.
Nevertheless, the recent gulf in class mattered little as England's bowlers were pummelled during a chase where they had been expected to defend 325 on a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers.
Shai Hope was the star of the show with a magnificent unbeaten 109 from 83 deliveries, helped along the way by several teammates as he and his nation gave a reminder of their qualities, especially on home turf.
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β Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 3, 2023
An incredible effort from the duo as Romario Shepherd is πΌππ by LBW π
A huge wicket for England at a crucial time...#WIvENG pic.twitter.com/mYMzZXkamI
Jos Buttler would have been satisfied with his team's batting effort, as Phil Salt (45) and Will Jacks (26) put on 77 for the first wicket and England reaching 181-4 before the 30-over mark.
Zak Crawley chipped in with 48, helping Harry Brook produce a knock of 71 from 72 balls at the other end before the tail added what were supposed to be key runs.
Sam Curran made 38 from 26 and Brydon Carse recorded an unbeaten 31 from 21, yet the pair in question would concede 171 runs between them from just 18.5 overs with the ball.
Alick Athanaze (66) and Brandon King (35) put together a 104-run opening stand, setting the platform for captain Hope to lead by example, initially by keeping West Indies competitive.
At one stage, they were 213-5, still requiring 113 runs from 68 balls, but West Indies would eventually complete the run chase with seven deliveries to spare.
Romario Shepherd's 48 from 28 was key, yet Hope deserves the headlines, smashing seven sixes during one of his nation's most famous knocks in recent memory as they completed a record chase in Antigua.
