West Indies have taken a lead in the ongoing UAE vs West Indies ODI series. West Indies won against UAE before Qualifiers 2023. This is a big win for West Indies against UAE by 7 wickets (88 balls left). Brandon King scored a winning century for the team.
West Indies won against UAE before Qualifiers 2023
In the first ODI match of the series of UAE vs West Indies, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE won the toss and chose to bat. However, their batting lineup faced a tough challenge from the West Indies bowlers.
First Inning: UAE set 202 runs on board with a struggle in batting
UAE’s innings started with Nasir Ali, a 19-year-old debut all-rounder, showcasing some promising batting skills. He top-scored for his team with 58 runs off 52 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. Vritya Aravind contributed 40 runs off 77 balls with 3 fours.
Despite these efforts, UAE struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals. Their innings came to an end at 202 runs in 47.1 overs. Kimo Paul was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 34 runs in 7.1 overs. Dominic Drakes, Oden Smith, and Yannick Kariah took two wickets each.
Second Inning: Easy run chase for West Indies with King’s Century
Chasing a target of 203 runs for victory, the West Indies started their innings confidently. Opener Brendan King took charge and played an exceptional inning, eventually reaching his maiden ODI century. King scored 112 runs off 112 balls, smashing 12 fours and 4 sixes.
Johnson Charles provided some support with a quick 24 off 19 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six. Shamahr Brooks added 44 runs to the total, while Casey Carty and captain Shai Hope contributed 7 and 13 runs, respectively. The West Indies comfortably reached the target, losing only 3 wickets in 35.2 overs.
UAE’s Zahoor Khan, Rohan Mustafa, and Ayan Khan Afzal managed to take one wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to stop the West Indies from claiming a comprehensive victory.
Series Outlook and Conclusion
West Indies have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series by winning 1st match by 7 wickets.
Both teams are using this series as preparation ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers. West Indies won against UAE before Qualifiers 2023 and are pleased with Brendan King’s outstanding century and look to carry the momentum into the upcoming matches. UAE, on the other hand, will aim to regroup and put up a stronger performance to level the series.
UAE and WI will face each other again in the second match on Tuesday, followed by the third match on Friday.
