After failing to qualify for the 2023 ODI the West Indies have made a strong comeback by first defeating India in their home series then England in the ODI series and starting the T20 series against England with an easy win. With big names Russel, Pooran, etc. Returning to the squad, West Indies have a strong unit for the series.
Before the Toss England were the actual favorites of the game. After winning the toss WI I decided to bowl first.
England got off to a flying start scoring 77 runs in 6 overs. Both Captain Butler and Philip Salt struck firmly in the powerplay. After the powerplay Bazball approach again failed as wickets fell on a regular basis and England could only manage 171.
Livingstone played a handy knock of 27 hitting 2 sixes and 1 fours.
At the end of 17th over the score was 165 with Livingstone and Sam Curran batting well but it was a big failure at the end as they managed to score only 6 runs in the last 15 balls and lost 5 wickets. Russel, Alazari Joseph and Romario Shepherd showed some brilliant death bowling skills giving away just 6 runs in the last 3 overs and taking 5 wickets. All the 3 bowlers were also among the highest wicket takers grabbing 3,3, & 2 each.
Chasing 171 was never a tough task for the Caribbeans. Both the openers started the innings in a similar manner scoring 30 off the first 2 overs. Woakes however provided the early breakthrough dismissing King for 22 but the runs kept coming.
West Indies were 59-1 after 6 overs.
Shai Hope and Mayers welcomed young Leg – spinner Rehan Ahmad by hitting 3 sixes of his first over. The Batters were going smooth in the chase but Rehab Ahmed made a strong comeback dismissing Shai Hope, Pooran and Ramorio Shephardand giving England an outside chance towards the end of Innings.
Adil Rashid was once again economical, giving away just 25 runs in his quota of 4 overs and taking 2 wickets.
West Indies required 47 runs off 30 balls from there with Russel and Captain Powell on the crease.
Another wicket there could have surely turned the game but it was Russel’s day as he delivered with the bat also. Scoring 29 of 14 with 2 fours and 2 sixes. Powell also played a handy knock of 31 of 15 which had 3 fours and 2 sixes. They chased the target in the 19th over with 11 balls to spare.
England surely missed a trick today leaving out Moeen Ali against a batting line up which had 3 left handers. England will surely look to fix their errors and get on the winning track in the 5 match T20 series.
Both teams meet again on 14th December for the 2nd T20. England would surely look to bounce back.
