The rollercoaster of performances that characterises the West Indies in white ball cricket has continued with contrasting results in Zimbabwe.
The reigning world T20 champions began the tri-series with a thumping victory over Sri Lanka as Upul Tharanga’s men were bundled out for 165 in just 43.1 overs.
The morale-boosting victory was, however, followed by a dramatic tie against less fancied Zimbabwe.
Wicketkeeper/batsman Shai Hope scored a century, only for 220-2 with 5.2 overs remaining to become 257-8 as pressure told on the West Indies’ lower-order.
The tourists needed three of the last five balls to win. Instead they surrendered three wickets.
"We were trying to put the bad balls away, capitalising on those ones and rotating the strike,” said Hope.
"We wanted to take it as deep as possible and finish off the game, but it was unfortunate we couldn't get that done today.
"There's always nerves, especially in games like this. But I must say it was a bit disappointing not to cross the line.
“That's the game of cricket. Sometimes it can go both ways. On another day, that ball Carlos hit would have gone for six. Today he lost his wicket.
“It's just about being more aware. It didn't happen for us today."
The emergence of Hope as a 23-year-old keeper batting at number four is an encouraging sign for the Windies, whose Royal London ODI against England will round off the 2017 summer of cricket at Trent Bridge in September.
Hope, however, took little consolation from reaching three figures in just his second 50-over match.
"[Getting the hundred was] a good feeling, but it would be even better with a win," he said.
"That's the main thing: it's about winning games, so the hundred doesn't really mean much right now because we didn't win.
"It's a bit tough [keeping wicket and batting up the order], especially if the team loses quick wickets at the beginning.
“But it's about transferring the effort of your wicketkeeping into your batting, and keeping your team on top of things.”
West Indies will continue their tri-series campaign against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
England return to Trent Bridge in 2017 to face South Africa and the West Indies. With tickets now on general sale, don't miss the chance to see some of the most exciting sides in world cricket go toe-to-toe in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.