‘Someone had to bat deep’ – Hope on his match-winning 146*

With half-centuries from Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh posted 255/7, and though the Windies posted 50-run partnerships for the second and third wicket in their chase, it was Hope doing most of the scoring.

With Paul sealing up one end, Hope could guide the chase successfully, and he lauded his partner. "We know Keemo has very good batting ability,” he said.

“I had full confidence in him. We just tried to rotate as best as possible. We knew the wicket was bit difficult to come in and strike from ball one, so he played a very crucial hand here to go over the line.”

Hope said he had only one thing on his mind: to bat as deep as possible. He was, however, disappointed some of his team-mates couldn’t do that – all of Marlon Samuels, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell fell in quick succession.

“It was about pacing the innings. I knew that someone had to bat deep,” he said. “I got the opportunity to start at the top of the order. I had all 50 overs. Just a bit disappointed for some of the guys in the middle to get out at that stage. The key was to bat as deep as possible and make sure that we win the game.”

It was Hope’s third one-day international century, but it was also a unique one – on the other two occasions, against Zimbabwe in 2016 and India in October, the matches ended in a tie.

"It must [rank] above the other two, because we tied the last two games,” he said. “I am just pleased to get over the line. It is great to score a hundred but there's more joy if you can get over the line as a team.

It was the Windies’ first victory in their ongoing tour of Bangladesh – they lost the Tests 2-0 and the first ODI by five wickets – and the victory here puts them in line for a much-needed series win in the decider on Friday.

“It has been a long tour of Asia. It is nice to cross the line,” he said. “The guys have been working really hard, so very pleased to get this win. We should celebrate a bit more because we didn't have much to celebrate in recent times.

“Just keep believing regardless of what's happening. We are here play cricket, compete and win. It is only a matter of time before we get over the line.”