Shai Hope century helps West Indies complete first ODI sweep in five years

Windies defeat Afghanistan by five wickets in Lucknow to complete 3-0 win

West Indies' Shai Hope (R) and Evin Lewis (L) touch their gloves during the second one day international (ODI) cricket match between Afghanistan and West Indies at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on November 9, 2019. ----IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE-----
 / AFP / Rohit UMRAO / ----IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE-----
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Opening batsman Shai Hope struck an unbeaten century as West Indies outplayed Afghanistan by five wickets in the third ODI on Monday to complete a 3-0 series rout.

Hope made 109 and built crucial partnerships including an unbeaten 71-run stand with Roston Chase (42) to anchor West Indies' chase of 250 with eight balls to spare in Lucknow.

The wicketkeeper-batsman completed his seventh ODI hundred as West Indies, under new limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard, recorded their first ODI whitewash since 2014.

"We came here with a mission and specific roles for players, and all the players deserve credit," said Pollard.

"Winning is a habit, and anything that we want to do as a team is a process, and it's something we had to improve in a period of time.

"This was an opportunity for us to show we have that kind of venom inside us. We knew we had to rally as a team, and we proved we can bat 50 overs, and once we do that, we can win games."

Paceman Keemo Paul played a key role in the win, returning figures of 3-44 in Afghanistan's 249-7.

Afghanistan's teenage spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman took two wickets to reduce West Indies to 4-2 but Hope stood firm to keep the chase on track.

Hope, who starred in the opening win with an unbeaten 77, remained the top-scorer in the series with 229 runs. Man of the match Hope got support from debutant Brandon King, who made 39, and Pollard, who hit 32.

Chase was named man of the series for his 145 runs including a highest of 94 in the three matches and six wickets with his off-spin. Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, were outplayed in all three matches in their newly adopted home in Lucknow in India.

India has been the home of the war-torn nation's cricket team since 2015.

"We were just trying to be better in each and every game. There were more positives from us in today's game," said Rashid.

"The kind of finishing we got from Asghar and Nabi gave us a chance to win the game. We should have defended this total, but Hope played without giving us any chances."

He added: "We have to focus on doing the right things, and making the right decisions at the right time. T20 is all about enjoyment, and we have to keep enjoying, whether in batting, bowling or fielding. The results will take care of themselves."