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On May 5, 2019, cricket witnessed one of the most extraordinary batting displays in One-Day International history as West Indies openers Shai Hope and John Campbell rewrote the record books. Facing Ireland national cricket team in Dublin during the first ODI of a tri-series also featuring Bangladesh national cricket team, the Caribbean duo produced a jaw-dropping opening partnership of 365 runs, the highest ever for the first wicket in ODIs.
The record-breaking stand surpassed the previous best of 304 runs set by Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman. Hope and Campbell’s effort not only redefined opening partnerships but also came agonizingly close to becoming the highest partnership for any wicket in ODIs, falling just seven runs short of that milestone.
Batting first, West Indies got off to a dream start as Hope and Campbell dominated from the outset. The Irish bowlers had no answers to their controlled aggression and impeccable stroke play. Campbell was the more explosive of the two, smashing 179 runs off just 137 deliveries, an innings studded with 15 boundaries and six towering sixes at a strike rate of 130.65. At the other end, Hope played the perfect anchor role, crafting a sublime 170 off 152 balls, including 22 fours and two sixes.
Together, they dismantled the Irish bowling attack with ease, forcing the fielders into a relentless chase for the ball. Their 365-run partnership lasted nearly the entire innings, with the duo falling just 17 balls short of batting through all 50 overs, a feat that would have added yet another record to their names.
This remarkable effort also placed Hope and Campbell in elite company, as they became only the second pair of ODI openers to both score 150 or more in the same innings. The only other duo to achieve this feat was New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and James Marshall.
West Indies eventually posted a mammoth total of 381/3 in their 50 overs, a score that proved far beyond Ireland’s reach. Among the Irish bowlers, Barry McCarthy was the pick with figures of 2/76, while Mark Adair chipped in with 1/84 and managed to bowl a maiden over amid the onslaught.
Chasing a daunting target, Ireland struggled right from the beginning. Despite a fighting effort from Kevin O’Brien, who top-scored with 68 runs off 77 balls, the hosts never looked in contention. Gary Wilson provided some resistance with 30 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered under pressure.
West Indies bowlers ensured there were no surprises in the second innings. Ashley Nurse led the attack brilliantly, claiming 4/51 in 7.4 overs. He was well supported by Shannon Gabriel, who took 3/44, and right-arm pacer Kemar Roach, who returned figures of 2/28. Sheldon Cottrell also chipped in with one wicket.
Ireland were eventually bowled out for 185 in 34.4 overs, handing West Indies a comprehensive victory and sealing one of the most memorable matches in ODI history.
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