Shai Hope credits MS Dhoni chat after unbeaten 162 in 352 chase

West Indies captain Shai Hope said a conversation with MS Dhoni helped him during the ODI series in India, after he struck an unbeaten 162 in West Indies' successful chase of 352 in 48.2 overs on 2026-10-04. The chase was the highest successful chase in ODI cricket.

Hope's 162 off 143 balls was his second century of the series, following a strong knock in Guwahati, and he finished the three-match series with 278 runs at an average of 139 and a strike-rate of 112.09. The innings also took his career tally in India to 1,019 runs, comprising five hundreds and three fifties at an average of 84.

Hope discussed the impact of advice from Dhoni at the post-match presentation: "I once had a great chat with the great man, MS Dhoni," Hope said at the post-match presentation. "He was telling me that you always have more time than you think. So try not to focus too much on the end result. Just look at the process, try to break the game down as best as you can, and find ways to get the boundaries in the back end."

He was pushed into an unexpected opening role after Jewel Andrew was reportedly taken to hospital with a finger injury sustained while fielding. Hope had also kept wickets for all 50 overs in humid conditions, and the West Indies side was missing Vitel Lawes for the match.

Hope paced his innings, reaching his 21st ODI century from 104 balls following a 46-ball fifty, before increasing the scoring rate late in the chase. He produced 62 runs from his final 39 deliveries to accelerate the pursuit.

After Keemo Paul fell in the 41st over, Hope combined with Gudakesh Motie to finish the job, adding 62 off just 29 balls with Motie to steer West Indies home. The partnership completed the highest successful run chase and secured the win for the visitors.

India's slow over rate played into West Indies' hands, forcing an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle for the final four overs, a scenario Hope said he had anticipated. "I even thought about the overs that the Indian team were behind," Hope said. "So I know they would have to bring a fielder in. It's always tough when you're trying to defend a score and you've got to have five men in the ring."

Hope is scheduled to feature in the T20I series, which will begin on October 6.