Sherfane Rutherford in action© AFP
An excellent maiden hundred from Sherfane Rutherford led the West Indies to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first ODI at Warner Park on Sunday. Rutherford, playing in his 10th ODI, hit seven fours and eight sixes in his 80-ball innings of 113, which ended with West Indies just seven runs short of completing the highest-ever chase on the ground. The 26-year-old, who was named player of the match, came to the crease with West Indies 94-3 in pursuit of the 294-6 that Bangladesh posted in their 50 overs.
He added 99 for the fourth wicket with captain Shai Hope, who made 86 from 88 balls, before drilling off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz through the throat of Jaker Ali at midwicket.
Rutherford then partnered Justin Greaves (41 not out) to add 95 for the sixth wicket, taking the West Indies to the brink of victory.
“I think he's really improved his batting,” Hope said of his match-winner.
“We ask for consistency, we always talk about it, and he shows that. He hits the ball very well and the hard work is rewarded in the middle. He was disappointed not to finish the game.”
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bangladesh made a solid start through opener Tanzid Hasan (60) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (74).
Mahmudullah, with 50 not out, and Jaker Ali (48) added 96 for the sixth wicket, but it was not enough to beat Rutherford.
(This story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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