West Indies batter Shai Hope carved his name into cricketing history by becoming the first player ever to score international centuries against all 12 Test-playing nations across formats. The landmark came through a commanding unbeaten 109 off 69 balls—filled with 13 fours and four sixes—against New Zealand in a rain-hit second ODI in Napier.
His achievement surpasses the feats of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, both of whom scored centuries against nine Test-playing nations during eras with fewer Test teams.
Dravid had notched Test tons in all 10 Test-playing countries of his time but retired before Afghanistan and Ireland were granted Test status. Hope’s milestone highlights his adaptability and sustained excellence across conditions and formats.
A Night of Records for the West Indies Captain
Hope’s remarkable innings didn’t just script global history; it also pushed him up the ladder of West Indies’ all-time ODI milestones. With his 19th ODI century, he matched Brian Lara’s tally for the second-most hundreds by a West Indian in the format. Only Chris Gayle, with 25 centuries, stands ahead. Hope also crossed the 6,000-run mark in ODIs during the match, becoming the second-fastest West Indian to do so. Sir Viv Richards reached the milestone in 141 innings, while Hope has taken 142.
His career tally now stands at 6,097 runs in 147 ODIs at an exceptional average of 50.80, accompanied by 19 centuries and 30 half-centuries. The performance in Napier further solidified his status as the backbone of the current West Indies batting unit and underlined his growing influence as a leader.
Match Summary: A New Zealand Comeback Despite Hope’s Brilliance
Despite Hope’s standout knock, West Indies could not convert it into victory. In a rain-curtailed 34-over contest, the visitors posted 247/9 after being put in to bat. New Zealand’s Nathan Smith (4/42) and Kyle Jamieson (3/44) delivered impactful spells to restrict the scoring.
The chase was anchored by Devon Conway, who hit 90 off 84 balls, and Rachin Ravindra’s brisk 56 off 46. Their opening partnership set the tone before Tom Latham (39* off 29) and captain Mitchell Santner (34* off 15) sealed the win with calm, calculated hitting.
New Zealand achieved the target with five wickets in hand and three balls remaining, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Hope was named Player of the Match for his historic effort, even though his brilliance could not alter the final result.
