Sharjah – Opener Johnson Charles struck a robust half-century in only his second One-Day International in seven years as West Indies clinched a series win with an uncomplicated 78-run victory over United Arab Emirates here yesterday.
A late inclusion in the squad as a replacement for Devon Thomas, the 34-year-old lashed 63 off just 47 deliveries in a Man Of The Match effort as West Indies were dismissed for 306 in the final over at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Crucially, he put on 129 for the first wicket with Brandon King who top-scored with 64 from 70 balls, while Odean Smith (37), Keacy Carty (32) and Kavem Hodge (26) all chipped in.
In reply, UAE were limited to 228 for seven off their 50 overs with teenager Ali Naseer getting his second straight 50 with 57 from 53 deliveries and Basil Hameed, 49 from 84 balls.
Vriitya Aravind got 36 and Aayan Afzal Khan, 25, but the innings lacked the impetus needed to seriously challenge the required run rate of 6.18, as left-arm spinner Kavem Hodge (2-46) and off-spinner Roston Chase (2-49) struck key blows. (CMC)