West Indies cruise previous USA regardless of Gajanand’s century
West Indies 297 (Charles 66, Holder 56, Netravalkar 3-53, Taylor 3-53, Phillip 3-56) beat United States Of America 258 for 7 (Gajanand 101*, Mayers 2-30, Joseph 2-68) by 39 runs
West Indies left little doubt as to who’s the massive brother within the Americas area, coasting previous USA within the first ever ODI between the perimeters in what was additionally the primary ever ODI staged on the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.
USA had been aggressive for suits and spurts, however lacked the nous and stamina to keep up strain for prolonged intervals. This grew to become evident early within the first innings after new-ball bowlers Saurabh Netravalkar and Kyle Phillip started with consecutive maidens earlier than two wickets throughout the following 4 overs pinned West Indies down at 14 for two. But a 115-run partnership between Johnson Charles and Shai Hope ensued. It highlighted how badly USA missed key strike weapon Ali Khan, who was compelled to take a seat out whereas serving the primary of a two-match ban.
USA’s fielding effort additionally didn’t compensate for Khan’s absence, as 4 pretty easy possibilities had been shelled throughout the innings. The first got here when Charles was on 12 within the eighth over as a top-edged heave towards Phillip swirled behind slip the place Steven Taylor was unable to corral a juggling effort and allowed Charles to top-score.
However, West Indies left the door ajar for USA to remain within the match with some self-inflicted wounds. The century stand ended when Hope performed a reckless one-handed slap to sweeper cowl on 54 to present a wicket to left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige. With left-hand batter Nicholas Pooran arriving, Steven Taylor was introduced on to bowl offspin and he wound up bagging not simply Pooran however two right-hand batters as nicely – Charles and Rovman Powell to a golden duck – all caught taking part in overeager pictures as West Indies tried to proceed bullying their Associate opposition.
But at 192 for six after 36, USA’s sloppy fielding reared its ugly head once more as they dedicated three drops throughout the forty fourth and forty fifth overs. Holder obtained two lives on 24 and 27, and he stayed till the ultimate over to forge a momentum-shifting 56 off 40 balls. His late burst meant 297 was lots to defend and was deemed very important sufficient to garner Player-of-the-Match honours.
USA obtained off to a modest begin within the chase, reaching 35 within the eighth over earlier than the wheels fell off. Sushant Modani fell for 14 slashing Holder to deep third earlier than Taylor’s impetuous cost down the pitch 4 balls later to Kyle Mayers resulted in an edge behind for 18 to a ball that seamed away.
USA captain Monank Patel grew to become Mayers’ second sufferer 4 overs later for six, slicing a drive that was intercepted brilliantly by Roston Chase reaching up at backward level, a second that after once more highlighted the gulf in fielding high quality between the 2 sides. Saiteja Mukkamalla fell for a three-ball duck strangled down the leg facet by Joseph within the following over earlier than Aaron Jones was run out dramatically as each he and Gajanand Singh ended up on the non-striker’s finish after Jones tried to dab a single behind level, to make it 97 for five.
With 201 runs nonetheless to get throughout the ultimate 30 overs, USA confirmed little intent for the rest of play. Gajanand, who as soon as represented West Indies on the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, lasted to the tip to carry up his maiden ODI century, offering a silver lining to the day for USA whereas additionally mitigating their internet run price hit in case the tiebreaker comes into play afterward.
He celebrated his century in emotional vogue along with his helmet off and arms aloft. “I did it for my father,” Gajanand instructed ESPNcricinfo afterwards. “I was very emotional because he passed away when I made my ODI debut two years ago. It meant a lot to me.”