ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) — Opener Johnson Charles struck his second consecutive One-Day International hundred while Darren Bravo notched his first ever, as West Indies brushed aside a ragged Zimbabwe by 156 runs in the opening one-day Friday.

The right-handed Charles top scored with a pugnacious 130 and was joined by the elegant Bravo who reached three figures off the last ball of the innings to finish with exactly 100 not out at the National Stadium, allowing the Windies to plunder 337 for four from their 50 overs – their fourth highest ODI total.

Opener Kieran Powell weighed in with a stroke-filled 79 as West Indies prospered in fabulous conditions after they were sent in.

Fast bowler Chris Mpofu was Zimbabwe’s best bowler with two wickets but his ten overs cost 83 runs.

In reply, Zimbabwe were undone by off-spinner Sunil Narine who claimed three for 28 from his ten overs, and slumped to 181 for nine from 50 overs.

Seamers Andre Andre Russell (2-24) and Dwayne Bravo (2-30) chipped in with a pair of wickets each.

Malcolm Waller top scored with 51 from 75 balls and Craig Ervine weighed in with a brisk 41 from 51 deliveries, but neither effort was good enough to take Zimbabwe close to their target.

WEST INDIES: 337 for 4 (50 overs)

J Charles b Mpofu 130; K Powell c Ervine b Mpofu 79; DM Bravo not out 100

ZIMBABWE :  181 for 9 (50 overs)

M Waller c sub (V Permaul) b DJ Bravo 51; C Ervine c Charles b Russell 41

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