T20 World Cup Super Eight clash: Someone has to stick in and play along, says Shai Hope after blistering knock

Bridgetown: West Indies opener Shai Hope made the most of the opportunity after replacing Charles Johnson in the playing 11 as he smashed an unbeaten 82 off 30 balls to guide the side to an emphatic nine-wicket win against the USA in the T20 World Cup Super Eight clash on Saturday (as per IST).

Hope silenced his critics with his thundering knock studded with eight sixes and four fours as West Indies chased 130 in 10.5 overs. Commenting on his innings, Hope said he stuck to his plans and played according to the situation.

“To be honest, it’s just the situation, man. It’s whatever is required. There’s some games where the conditions may be challenging and you have to fight. You can’t just go out there and try to smash every ball for six or four. Someone has to stick in and play along. I don’t think people realise that,” Hope said in the post-match press conference.

The opener added that he knew that net run rate would come into play to support the team in the semi-final berth and his blistering strike rate was a reflection of that.

“We understood what’s at stake here. We know that in this situation run-rate could play a part. So, 105 strike-rate wasn’t going to be the play today. So again, just playing the situation. That’s the one thing that I pride myself on as a batsman, as a cricketer,” he said. IANS

Also Read: T20 World Cup: Hope, Chase dominate USA to set 9-wicket victory for Windies

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