West Indies beat United Arab Emirates by seven wickets with 88 balls to spare as their first bilateral ODI series began on Sunday. (More Cricket News)
Opener Brandon King scored his first One-Day International century with a run-a-ball 112 for the visitors — including 12 fours and four sixes — and Shamarh Brooks made 44.
New captain Shai Hope (13 not out) hit the winning runs with a six as West Indies’ successful chase never looked in doubt. West Indies reached 206-3 in 35.2 overs to give new white-ball head coach Daren Sammy a successful start.
Choosing to bat first, UAE scored 202 all out in 47.1 overs with paceman Keemo Paul taking 3-34. The 19-year-old Ali Naseer top-scored for the hosts with 58 off 52 on debut, and Vriitya Aravind scored a slower-paced 40 off 77.
Dominic Drakes (2-29), Odean Smith (2-40) and Yannic Cariah (2-26) were among the wicket-takers for West Indies.
The three one-dayers will also prepare the teams for the Cricket World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe this month.
The second ODI is on Tuesday in Dubai.
