Mumbai: West Indies rode on captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten half-century to beat Nepal by nine wickets and qualify for the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup in Mumbai on Sunday.
Hope struck 61 not out from 44 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes while Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with 46 not out to help their team chase down a modest target of 134 with 28 balls to spare.
With three wins from as many matches, the West Indies are at the top of Group C and made it to the Super Eights.
Earlier, Dipendra Singh Airee struck a fine half-century, but Nepal could only score a modest 133 for 8.
Airee made 58 off 47 balls, and Sompal Kami remained not out on 26 while the remaining Nepal batters got out cheaply after they were asked to bat first.
Veteran pacer Jason Holder (4/27) led a fine bowling show for West Indies while four others took a wicket apiece. He was named Player of the Match for his spell.
Airee continues, and after a dot, Hope clips the ball to mid-wicket for a single to bring up the winning runs. West Indies win by 9 wickets.
Lamichhane back in the attack and Hope starts the over with a six down the ground!
Hope and Hetmyer take a single each before Hope sends the ball down the ground for another six in the over.
Hope then takes a couple and a single as 17 come off the over.
Airee is back in the attack and Hetmyer and Hope take four runs in the over.
This Windies pair has put on the 50-run stand with Hetmyer being the wrecker in chief.
