In scoring his maiden century this year, a first in SA20, and that too early in January 2026, the 7th of the first month of a brand new year did prove to be lucky for Shai Hope.
Lucky not just for the West Indies fans hooked onto the premier T20 franchise league in Protea nation; but for fans of the game on the whole who seek in 20-20 cricket a way of life. Shai Diego Hope struck for his Pretoria Capitals a magnificent and brave 118 not out taking just 69 deliveries to do so.
A charismatic and fast paced knock from a truly remarkable and as seen since 2019 ODI World Cup, versatile cricketer.
Hope’s SA20 blitz from the bat featured 9 boundaries and as many sixes.
Where are those who lambasted the honest and dedicated West Indian cricketer so often about his strike rate? Is the 188 plus still too bad a deal for those whose imagination runs riot only on computer keyboards? For a batter who has so often been derided primarily because he would take his time to get going, Shai Hope’s recent T20I exploits beg a question. And it’s that is he still deserving of the criticism that’s often found his way in the past when just mid 2025 last year, he flashed his blade over the white ball in a T20 international against Australia scoring his maiden century of the format and ending as the team’s highest scorer?
Taking just 57 deliveries to score his 102, a mega century given the lofty standard of ball striking, Hope in a key T20I against Australia took his team to a big score. Though sadly for him, the bowlers couldn’t get the captain a win he so deserved. Primarily because he’s so often carried the team’s burden on his shoulders. Something evident even on January 7, 2026 a few hours ago in South Africa.
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