KIMBERLEY, South Africa, (Reuters):
CAPTAIN CARL Hooper smashed an unbeaten 100 as West Indies crushed South African province Griqualand West by 142 runs in a World Cup warm-up match yesterday.
Hooper, who has not played a one-day international since undergoing corrective surgery on his knees in November, hit two sixes and nine fours from only 69 balls, helping his side to a massive total of 360 for four.
Griqualand West then struggled to 218 for six from their 50 overs, West Indies seam bowlers Pedro Collins and Vasbert Drakes taking two wickets each.
"It was good to get some runs under my belt, especially in the last game before we play South Africa in the tournament opener," Hooper said.
"I was a bit rusty but my knees held up well, especially with all the twisting and turning between the wickets. My legs feel strong.
"Griqualand West have done well in their domestic competitions recently but we beat them convincingly."
After Hooper had won the toss, West Indies opener Wavell Hinds hit an 83-ball 96 and Ramnaresh Sarwan struck 80, but Brian Lara, who made 45 against Free State two days ago, was dismissed for 18 after stroking four boundaries.
Sarwan and Hooper shared a fourth-wicket stand of 120 before Sarwan was removed by Deon Kruis, but Ricardo Powell plundered an unbeaten 34 off only 20 deliveries to take his side past 350.
West Indies, World Cup winners in 1975 and 1979, begin their campaign against hosts South Africa on Sunday in Cape Town in the opening match of the tournament.
