NED vs WI | Shai Hope hits 11th ODI century as West Indies take 1-0 lead

West Indies defeated the Netherlands by seven wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series in Amstelveen. An unbeaten 119 from Shai Hope at the top summed up West Indies' dominance in a rain-affected first ODI.

Cricket World Cup Super League resumed in Amsterdam with the Dutch hosting the Caribbeans, playing a three-match ODI series which will play a significant role in automatic qualification as the tourists stand 10 points behind New Zealand, who hold the 8th spot in the points table.

Nicholas Pooran won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first on a beautiful Tuesday morning. However, the game was reduced to 45 overs per side after a rain interruption during the Netherlands' innings, where the hosts managed to score 240 for 7 in 45 overs. 

The Netherlands started brilliantly with two of their openers, Vikramjit Singh and Max O'Dowd, giving them a flying start in the powerplay. Vikramjit, who was considered the next big thing in Dutch Cricket, finally showed what he is made of and added 63 runs for the first wicket, scoring 47 off 45 himself. 

However, despite having a good start at the top, the hosts failed to build the momentum further in the innings until debutant Teja Nidamanuru came into bat. 

The 27-year-old India-born cricketer top scored with 58 off 51 balls, with three fours and two sixes, taking the Netherlands to 240, leaving the tourists needing a Duckworth Lewis adjusted 247 for the win.

Later, West Indies started the chase with a massive 120 runs opening partnership between the two Barbadians, Shai Hope and Shamarh Brooks. The pair got West Indies to a flying start, chasing 247 in 45 overs. Brooks scored 60 of 67, which included three fours and two sixes. 

Brooks got out in the 24th over, leading to another wicket in the next ball. Logan van Beek removed Brooks first with a caught & bowl and trapped Nkrumah Bonner lbw with an in seamer. In addition, the visitors also lost skipper Nicholas Pooran three overs later, creating an outside chance for Pieter Seelaar's team. 

But the new batter Brandon King, who joined Shai Hope in the middle, went on to have a 116 run stand together, taking West Indies home easily at the end by seven wickets. The partnership saw Shai Hope getting to his 11th ODI century and Brandon King's half-century. 

The second and third ODIs are scheduled to take place on June 2nd and June 4th, respectively.

Brief Score:

Netherlands - 240/7 (45)

Teja Nidamanuru 58*(51), Vikramjit Singh 47(45);

Akeal Hosein 2/29 (9)

West Indies - 249/3 (43.1)

Shai Hope 119* (130), Shamarh Brooks 60(67);

Logan van Beek 2/49 (8)

West Indies won by seven wickets and 11 balls to spare.