Pooran hails batters after WI beat Netherlands

West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran commended his side's batting approach against the Netherlands, following the regional side's seven-wicket win under the Duckworth-Lewis method in the first One Day International (ODI) in Amstelveen yesterday.

Shai Hope led the way with a brilliant, unbeaten 119 from 130 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes, to guide the West Indies to 249 for three after being asked to get a target of 247 in 45 overs in the rain-affected contest. Sent to bat, the Netherlands posted 240 for seven in their 45 overs, after rain wiped out some two hours of play.

Hope, who was scoring his 11th ODI century, shared in a 120-run opening stand with Shamarh Brooks, who chipped in with a steady 60 from 67 balls, with three fours and two sixes.

Brandon King and Hope then finished off the proceedings with an unbeaten 116-run, fourth-wicket stand, with King unbeaten on 58 from 51 balls, with five fours and two sixes.

Skipper Pooran, who contributed just seven runs to the chase, praised the effort of Man of the Match Hope, along with Brooks and King, for securing the opening victory in the three-match series.

"We enjoyed the match and we are happy that we got the victory. I must say well played to the guys, because it was our first time in Amsterdam and the Holland team was competitive, and I must say well played to them.

"Shai was excellent, and Brooks got an opportunity to bat at the top and he grabbed it with both hands. King came in and played good in the end, and we enjoyed it today," Pooran said.

The West Indies bowling unit had to dig deep to restrict the Netherlands side which got off to a flying start, thanks to 47 from Vikramjit Singh and 58 from Teja Nidamanura.

Two wickets each from Akeal Hosein and Kyle Mayers then pegged back the home side. And Pooran is hoping his side can get sharper and get acclimatised to the chilly conditions in the Netherlands for the next two matches.

"We are here to win, and we hope to continue to entertain the fans that came out to support us, " Pooran added.

The teams will meet in the second ODI tomorrow.