On a rain-slicked Wednesday night in Napier, Shai Hope didn’t just play a match—he rewrote history. With a blistering 109 not out off 69 balls, the Shai Hope equaled the legendary Brian Lara’s record of 19 One Day International centuries, while also becoming the second-fastest West Indian to cross 6,000 ODI runs. The innings, played at McLean Park on November 19, 2025, wasn’t just about numbers. It was about legacy, pressure, and the quiet dominance of a man who’s quietly become the backbone of West Indies cricket.
A Century That Broke Records on Two Fronts
“Right up there with the best! 👌 Shai Hope becomes the second fastest batter to 6000 ODI runs for the West Indies.” — Windies Cricket, Twitter, November 19, 2025Hope’s knock wasn’t just fast—it was surgical. He smashed 13 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 157.97, steering West Indies to 210 in 43.1 overs after rain curtailed play. No other batter crossed 22. Yet, the numbers tell only half the story. He reached his century off just 66 balls—the fastest of his career—and did it while carrying the entire innings on his shoulders. More than that, he did it in his 142nd innings, shaving 13 matches off Lara’s previous record of 155 to reach 6,000 runs. Only Sir Vivian Richards (141 innings) has done it quicker for the West Indies.
More Than Just a Century: A Historic Legacy
Hope didn’t stop at tying Lara. He surpassed him as the most prolific ODI century-maker as captain—his sixth as skipper, one more than Lara’s five. He’s now the first player in international cricket history to score centuries against all 12 ICC full-member nations across Test, ODI, and T20I formats. That’s not just consistency. That’s dominance across continents, conditions, and eras. He’s hit tons against Pakistan in Lahore, India in Mumbai, Australia in Perth, and now New Zealand in Napier. The list reads like a world tour of cricketing giants. And here’s the twist: Hope is also a wicketkeeper. That makes his 19 ODI centuries even more astonishing. He’s now tied with MS Dhoni for the most centuries by a wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs. Only Quinton de Kock (22) and Kumar Sangakkara (23) sit above him. In a game where keeping and batting are often split between specialists, Hope does both—and excels.What the Numbers Really Say
- 6,097 ODI runs in 142 innings (147 matches)
- 19 centuries, 30 half-centuries
- Average: 50.80
- Strike rate: 88.5 (career), 157.97 in this innings
- 19 centuries in 147 matches — Lara took 295 to reach the same mark
Pressure, Leadership, and the Weight of History
West Indies have struggled for consistency since their 1970s-80s golden era. But Hope? He’s been the constant. Head coach Daren Sammy said it best: “Shai’s ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has been crucial for our team’s development in the last few years.” New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner didn’t mince words after the match: “Shai Hope is one of the finest ODI batsmen of this generation, and what he did today was exceptional against our bowling attack.” Even Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow acknowledged the magnitude: “Shai Hope’s achievements are a testament to his dedication and skill. He is carrying forward the legacy of West Indies batting greats like Sir Vivian Richards and Brian Lara.”The Series Context: A Shadow Over the Triumph
There’s a bittersweet edge to this milestone. Despite Hope’s brilliance, New Zealand chased down 210 with ease, winning the match and taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The first ODI, played in Mount Maunganui, ended in a 7-wicket win for the hosts. Now, with the final match set for Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 22, 2025, West Indies face elimination. Hope’s record-breaking innings may go down as one of the great individual performances in a losing cause.What’s Next? The Road Beyond 2025
Hope, 31, has no signs of slowing. With 30 half-centuries and 19 centuries, he’s on track to challenge Gayle’s all-time West Indies ODI century record. He’s also just three centuries behind Sangakkara’s global record for wicketkeeper-batters. And with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, his leadership will be critical. Can he lead West Indies to a deep run? Can he become the first West Indian since Lara to carry a team through a World Cup campaign? The answer may lie in his consistency. He doesn’t celebrate with fireworks. He doesn’t need to. He just shows up—and delivers.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Shai Hope’s 6,000-run milestone compare globally?
Hope reached 6,000 ODI runs in 142 innings, making him the second-fastest West Indian ever and the ninth-fastest globally. South Africa’s Hashim Amla holds the world record at 123 innings. Only 14 batters in history have reached 6,000 runs faster than Hope, and none from the West Indies except Sir Vivian Richards. His pace is especially remarkable given the inconsistent support he’s received from teammates.
Why is scoring centuries against all 12 ICC nations such a big deal?
No player in cricket history had ever scored centuries against every full-member nation across all three formats before Hope. It means he’s succeeded against every major cricketing nation—from Pakistan’s spinners to Australia’s pace attack, from England’s swing to Bangladesh’s home conditions. This isn’t luck; it’s adaptability at the highest level, under varying pressures and pitches.
Is Hope the best West Indian ODI batsman ever?
He’s arguably the most consistent. While Brian Lara had higher peaks and Chris Gayle more power, Hope combines reliability, technique, and leadership. His average of 50.80 in 147 matches is the highest among West Indian batters with over 5,000 runs. He’s the first to lead the team in ODIs while maintaining such a high strike rate and century tally. Many now rank him above Lara in terms of modern ODI impact.
How does Hope’s record as captain compare to Lara’s?
Hope has six ODI centuries as captain, surpassing Lara’s five. More importantly, he’s done it in 37 matches as skipper, compared to Lara’s 58. Hope’s captaincy is defined by calm authority and clutch performances under pressure. Lara was a genius, but Hope is the modern captain—efficient, composed, and statistically dominant.
What does this mean for West Indies cricket’s future?
Hope’s rise signals a potential turning point. For years, West Indies cricket has been defined by fading legends and inconsistent performances. Hope proves that world-class talent still exists. If the board invests in supporting players around him, and if he stays fit, he could lead the team into a new era—perhaps even challenge for a World Cup final in 2027.
Can Hope break Chris Gayle’s 25 ODI centuries record?
At his current rate—roughly one century every 7.7 matches—he’s on track to reach 25 centuries by his 195th ODI. He’s played 147 so far. With the 2027 World Cup likely to add 10-12 more games, and assuming he plays until 2029, he has a realistic shot. His fitness, technique, and mental toughness suggest he won’t fade early. The record is within reach.