Barbados Today

GUWAHATI, India, CMC – Exciting left-hander Shimron Hetmyer struck his third One-Day International century to propel West Indies to 322 for eight off their 50 overs, in the opening fixture of the five-match series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium here Sunday.

The 21-year-old gathered 106 from 78 deliveries as the Caribbean side produced a stellar performance against the powerful Indians to post only their fourth 300-plus total since the 2015 World Cup.

Left-handed opener Kieran Powell struck an attractive 51, captain Jason Holder got 38 while Shai Hope stroked 32.

Sent in, the Windies stumbled early when debutant left-hander Chandrapaul Hemraj under-edged a pull at pacer Mohammed Shami (2-81) onto his stumps in the fifth over, to depart for nine with the score on 19.

However, Powell and Hope then carried the innings in an enterprising 65-run, second wicket stand.

Powell stroked six fours and two sixes off 39 deliveries before holing out down the ground off seamer Khaleel Ahmed in the 15th over and veteran right-hander Marlon Samuels perished in the very next over, missing a forward defensive stretch at leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (3-41) and falling lbw to the second ball he faced on his 200th ODI appearance.

Hope, meanwhile, faced 51 balls and counted two fours before top-edging a pull at Shami for wicketkeeper MS Dhoni to take the catch running around to short-ish fine leg in the 22nd over.

Hetmyer then took charge of the innings, blasting half-dozen fours and a sixes in scintillating knock, which saw him reach three figures for the third time this year in ODIs.

Along the way, he added 74 for the fifth wicket with Rovman Powell before posting another 60 runs for the sixth wicket with Holder.

Hetmyer eventually fell in the 39th over, caught on the ropes at long on off left-arm spinner Ravi Jadeja.

India were frustrated down the innings by tail-enders Kemar Roach (26 not out) and Devendra Bishoo (22 not out) who put on 44 in an unbroken ninth wicket stand.