ST GEORGE’S, Grenada: Johnson Charles blazed a second consecutive century and Darren Bravo made a maiden limited overs ton as the West Indies routed Zimbabwe by 156 runs to win the first one-day international on Friday.
Man of the match Charles hammered 130 and Bravo finished on an even, unbeaten 100 to lead the home side to an imposing 337 for four after being put in by Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor.
While there was nothing like the capacity crowd that would have been hoped for on a day declared a national holiday by the newly-elected government of the island, the fans who turned up on a sunny Caribbean day stayed in a celebratory mood throughout.
The visitors were limited to just 181 for nine in reply, home spinner Sunil Narine leading the bowling effort with three for 28.
Just the sixth West Indian to compile consecutive one-day centuries, Charles, who closed off the series in Australia less than two weeks ago with a maiden hundred, picked up from where he left off, his innings occupying 113 deliveries and decorated with 12 fours and four sixes.
He gave the home side the ideal start in an opening partnership of 168 with Kieran Powell, who contributed 79 before falling to medium-fast bowler Chris Mpofu in the 29th over.
“I like to play my strokes, but my role is to give the team a good start,” said Charles.
“I must also acknowledge Powell’s role in helping us to hit our targets at the start and setting it up for the others to follow,” he said after the match.
The second and third game in the series take place at the same venue today and on Tuesday.
REUTERS
