West Indies beat UAE by seven wickets with Brendan King’s century

Sharjah. Opener Brendan King struck a maiden century as West Indies beat UAE by seven wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series here on Sunday. King scored 112 off 112 balls with 12 fours and four sixes while Shamra Brooks scored 44 as the team won with 88 balls to spare. New captain Shai Hope (13 not out) hit a six to take the team’s score to 206 for three in 35.2 overs and give them victory. Earlier, the UAE team, winning the toss and electing to bat first, got bundled out for 202 runs in 47.1 overs. Fast bowler Keemo Paul took three wickets for 34 runs.

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For the hosts, 19-year-old Ali Naseer, making his debut, top-scored with 58 off 52 balls. V Aravind also played an innings of 40 runs in 77 balls. For West Indies, Yannick Kariya took 26 wickets, Dominic Drakes took 29 wickets and Odion Smith took two wickets for 40 runs. The three-match series is crucial for both the teams as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers to be held in Zimbabwe next month.