West Indies Clinch Series 2-1 with Convincing Victory over England

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Powered by outstanding centuries from Brandon King and Keacy Carty, the West Indies secured a decisive eight-wicket victory over England in the third One-Day International (ODI) on Wednesday, clinching the series 2-1.

The duo’s 209-run stand carried the West Indies past England’s total of 263 with 42 balls remaining, marking the second-highest partnership for any wicket by West Indies in a home ODI.

Carty, who smashed his first ODI century, ended on 128 not out, surpassing his previous best of 88 in 27 matches. King, after a long dry spell without a half-century, achieved his third career ODI hundred, departing just before the end for a confident 102 from 113 balls.

Reflecting on his innings, King expressed satisfaction at converting his start into a century in a crucial series decider. “I’ve been getting a fair amount of starts and I just haven’t been carrying on,” he said. “It was fortunate that it came in such a crucial game with the series in doubt. If you’re putting in a lot of work off the field, you have to believe it’s only a matter of time.”

England Struggled to Build Momentum

Earlier in the day, England struggled to build momentum, ultimately finding stability through half-centuries from Phil Salt and Dan Mousley. Salt’s 74 anchored the innings as he forged key partnerships of 70 runs with Sam Curran (40) and Mousley, who posted a maiden ODI fifty with a composed 57. Jamie Overton’s quickfire 32 from 21 balls and Jofra Archer’s unbeaten 38 from just 17 deliveries helped England add a vital 100 runs in the final 10 overs.

West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph delivered a fiery spell during the powerplay, reducing England to 24-4 after a heated exchange with his captain Shai Hope over field placements. Umpires and Coach Daren Sammy intervened to defuse the situation after Joseph, visibly frustrated, briefly left the field following the fourth over.

Joseph’s aggressive pace proved decisive, dismissing Jordan Cox with a 148 kph delivery that Cox gloved to the wicketkeeper.

Salt’s dismissal, after an acrobatic combined catch from King and Joseph, brought an end to his 70-run, sixth-wicket stand with Mousley and set the stage for King and Carty’s game-winning partnership.

Conclusion

The West Indies’ convincing victory over England marked a successful conclusion to the series, with the duo of King and Carty playing a crucial role in securing the win. The team’s ability to adapt and respond to the challenges posed by England’s strong bowling attack was a key factor in their success.

FAQs

Q: What was the final score in the match?

A: The West Indies won by 8 wickets, with a score of 264/2 in 38.4 overs.

Q: Who were the standout performers for the West Indies?

A: Brandon King and Keacy Carty were the standout performers, scoring centuries and sharing a 209-run partnership to carry the West Indies to victory.

Q: What was the key moment in the match?

A: The key moment was the dismissal of Phil Salt, which brought an end to his 70-run, sixth-wicket stand with Dan Mousley and set the stage for King and Carty’s game-winning partnership.