OWN CORRESPONDENT, Kingston | Monday 11.30am.
WAVELL Hinds hit a maiden one-day international century at Sabina Park on Sunday as the West Indies beat Zimbabwe for the second time in two days in a triangular tournament.
Hinds set up the 41-run win by hitting 116 not out and putting on an unbroken partnership of 125 with fellow Jamaican Chris Gayle in 14,3 overs as the home side amassed 280 for three after opting to bat.
Zimbabwe were never in the hunt after that. At 80 for three and needing eight an over from their final 25 overs, the only defiance came from Stuart Carlisle with 57 and captain Andy Flower with 52, as the visitors ended on 239 for eight in their 50 overs.
The West Indies, without former captain Brian Lara who is taking a break from the sport and Shivnarine Chanderpaul who is ill, badly need new heroes and the 23-year-old Hinds and 21-year-old Gayle obliged.
Hinds’s innings included 12 fours and a six, while his partner, also a left-hander, struck his 58 off 45 balls. Captain Jimmy Adams contributed 41 off 54 balls before he was run out.
Guy Whittal was the bowler to suffer, his six overs of medium pace costing 53. When Zimbabwe batted, pace bowler Reon King excelled with three for 27.
The Windies, who also beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in their recently completed test series, thrashed Zimbabwe by 87 runs in the first match of the tournament on Saturday.
Pakistan, the third team taking part, play their first match against Zimbabwe on Wednesday in Antigua. Each side plays four first-phase matches before a best-of-three final. — Reuters