The West Indies got their ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 campaign off to a winning start, defeating Nepal by 72 runs in Harare on Tuesday.
Put in to bat, the Windies posted a challenging 288 for 5, thanks to half-centuries from Nicholas Pooran (89) and Shai Hope (62). Nepal were then bowled out for 216 in 47.3 overs, with Jason Holder taking three wickets.
The Windies made a brisk start, with Brandon King (26) and Kyle Mayers (25) putting on 58 for the first wicket. However, Nepal struck back with two quick wickets, dismissing King and Mayers in the space of three overs.
Pooran and Hope then came together and stitched together a 111-run partnership for the third wicket. Pooran was the aggressor in the partnership, hitting 10 fours and a six, while Hope played the anchor role.
Pooran was eventually dismissed for 89, but Hope remained unbeaten on 62 as the Windies reached 288 for 5.
In reply, Nepal got off to a good start, with openers Kushal Bhurtel (37) and Aarif Sheikh (33) putting on 67 for the first wicket. However, the Windies bowlers then struck back, dismissing both openers and reducing Nepal to 104 for 4.
Nepal never recovered from that, and were eventually bowled out for 216 in 47.3 overs. Holder was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 31 runs.
The win was a good start for the Windies, who will be looking to build on this performance in their remaining matches. Nepal, on the other hand, will need to improve their batting if they are to challenge for a place in the World Cup.
Key moments
- Pooran and Hope's partnership for the third wicket was the key to the Windies' innings.
- Holder's three wickets were crucial in helping the Windies bowl out Nepal for 216.
- Nepal's batting let them down in the end, as they were unable to build on a good start.
What next?
The Windies will next face the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, while Nepal will take on Papua New Guinea.
Overall
The Windies got their ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 campaign off to a winning start, defeating Nepal by 72 runs. Pooran and Hope's partnership was the key to the Windies' innings, while Holder's three wickets were crucial in helping them bowl out Nepal for 216. Nepal's batting let them down in the end, as they were unable to build on a good start.
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