England Level Series with Thrilling Win in Antigua
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – England’s stand-in captain Liam Livingstone scored a breathtaking, maiden One Day International century to steer his side to an impressive five-wicket victory over the West Indies and level the three-match series here Saturday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Livingstone cracked an unbeaten 124 from 85 balls. England completed the second-highest successful run chase in the Caribbean by overhauling the home side’s challenging 328 for six in 50 overs, finishing 329 for five off 47.3 overs.
His heroic efforts overshadowed a brilliant century from West Indies captain Shai Hope and set up a winner-takes-all game in the final ODI at Kensington Oval on Wednesday.
Match Report
The West Indies, who won the toss and batted, were in control early on when Matthew Forde accounted for Will Jacks for 12, and Shamar Joseph, who was making his ODI debut, had Jordan Cox caught behind for just four to leave the visitors 63-2 in the 12th over.
Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell added 44 runs for the third wicket to lift England out of trouble before Salt lofted Forde into the hands of Gudakesh Motie at mid-off to be out for a well-played 59 from 59 balls.
Top Order Stabilizes the Innings
His dismissal brought Livingstone to the crease, and together with Bethell, they steadied the innings in a 53-run partnership.
Livingstone started nervously, edging a delivery from Joseph past the wicketkeeper and a comprehensive first slip for four. Still, he quickly found his groove, hoisting Forde over square leg for six the next over.
Livingstone’s Brilliant Innings
Bethell, a left-handed Barbadian, was not to be left out, hitting Roston Chase for two successive boundaries and a six in the 26th over to bring up his maiden ODI half-century in his seventh match.
However, Chase got his revenge soon after, having Bethell caught at long off by Jayden Seales for 55 from 57 balls, as England slipped to 160 for four in the 28th over.
Sam Curran’s Arrival Steals the Show
Sam Curran’s arrival signaled the end of West Indies’ dominance, with their 140-run fifth-wicket partnership sealing the contest.
Livingstone, who had batted cautiously, eventually brought up his 50 off 60 balls when he hit Motie down the ground for four in the 41st over and followed it up with a six over deep midwicket.
England Win by 5 Wickets
With England needing quick runs, Livingstone smashed Motie for consecutive sixes in the 43rd over that leaked 16 runs to ease some of the pressure. He then took fast bowler Jayden Seales to the market in the 45th over, clobbering him for two sixes and two fours in an over that yielded 26 runs.
Livingstone brought up his first ODI century in 32 ODIs when he drove Forde for a single off the 77th ball he faced.
Forde’s Best Bowling Figures
Forde was the best West Indies bowler with 3-48 from 8.3 overs.
Conclusion
England’s victory was set up by a solid batting performance by their top order, with three batsmen scoring half-centuries.
FAQs
Q: How many runs did Liam Livingstone score in the match?
A: 124 not out from 85 balls
Q: Who was the best West Indies bowler?
A: Matthew Forde with 3-48 from 8.3 overs
Q: What was the final score in the match?
A: England 329 for 5, West Indies 328 for 6.
About The Author
