England won the toss and elected to bat first, displaying signs of recovery as their openers built a solid 77-run partnership. However, they soon fell into their World Cup slump, losing wickets consistently. By the time nine overs remained, the scoreboard showed 239/7.
Some quick contributions by Brydon Carse (31) and Sam Curran (38) pushed England past the 300-run mark, eventually reaching 325 within their allotted overs. West Indies, undeterred, began strongly with a 104-run opening partnership, led by Alick Athanaze’s 65-ball 66.
Despite Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sherfane Rutherford struggling to surpass 35 runs each, England managed to gain ground. However, Skipper Shai Hope’s aggressive batting ensured the hosts remained in contention. When Romario Shepherd, who had scored an impressive 27-ball 49, was dismissed, the Windies needed only 24 runs off 18 balls.
After Alzarri Joseph stole a single off Curran’s delivery, reducing the equation to 18 off 11 balls, Hope took the strike. Hope smashed a full toss for a maximum over cow corner, narrowing the gap further. Although Curran managed a dot ball next, the Windies skipper hit another six over the same area, crossing the 100-run mark.
Shai Hope's unbeaten 109* leads West Indies to victory over England in the 1st ODI.
— FanCode (@FanCode) December 4, 2023
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.#WIvENGonFanCode #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/tgbGoRwcNa
Despite Hope’s heroics, England remained resilient. Hope sealed the victory with another hit to the same spot, reminiscent of the dramatic finish in the 2019 World T20 final when Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes secured the Cup for the West Indies.
