Cricket-Hope’s 82 fires West Indies to big World Cup win over U.S.

(Reuters) – Shai Hope hit a six-studded 82 not out as West Indies revived their Super Eight campaign in Barbados with a thumping nine-wicket win over fellow co-hosts the United States at the Twenty20 World Cup on Friday.

Needing a win and a big bump in their net run rate after a loss to England in their Super Eight opener, West Indies achieved both at Kensington Oval to move into second place in Group 2 behind unbeaten South Africa, their next opponents.

Roston Chase (3-19) and Andre Russell (3-31) led the way with the ball as the Americans were bowled out for 128 and Hope and Nicholas Pooran (27 not out) smashed their way to their target with more than nine overs to spare.

“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.”

The Americans felt they were 50 runs short in their innings after being put into bat but skipper Aaron Jones was not prepared to concede 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.”

Jones managed just 11 runs with only Andries Gous (29) and Nitish Kumar (20) managing to get out of the teens.

West Indies response was emphatic with Hope clubbing eight sixes in his 39-ball knock, including the one over long-off that brought a fitting end to the contest, and Pooran three in his 27 not out.

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.

(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney,)