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Under the floodlights of Kensington Oval, the West Indies easily defeated England in their run chase, thanks to centuries from Brandon King and Keacy Carty that set up a commanding eight-wicket victory.
Carty became the first player from St. Maarten to accomplish the milestone for the West Indies as he scored his first century off of 97 balls. King followed him to three figures, scoring his first fifty-plus in ODIs since the World Cup qualifier in July 2023 and taking advantage of being dropped twice with a crucial knock. The highest total for the West Indies versus England in the format was their double-century stand, which was ultimately valued at 209.
After a terrible start that saw them 24 for 4 at the end of the first powerplay, England had fought their way up to what could have been a competitive total. Dan Mousley was creative on his way to his first ODI fifty, and Phil Salt knuckled down to play his longest international innings in terms of balls faced. England had at least given themselves a chance when Shai Hope had to turn to Sherfane Rutherford due to an injury to Romario Shepherd. Rutherford’s 3.5 overs at the end vanished for 57.
Jofra Archer’s first gambit was whacked through the covers by King, indicating that batting conditions had improved after just one delivery of the reply. He did the same to the second delivery, Archer’s first three overs ultimately costing 24. The West Indies were already in the game, even though Jamie Overton took his first ODI wicket with his third real ball, Evin Lewis, who bounced out for 19.
At 65 for 1 after ten, King pushed West Indies ahead of the asking rate by hitting Reece Topley for two fours in three balls to end the powerplay.
The atmosphere changed when King hammered Rashid down the ground for six after his first three overs had only yielded seven. When King was at 44, an edge off Livingstone slipped under Salt’s hands. The West Indies opener then reached a 60-ball fifty in the following over, decisively hitting Rashid through midwicket.
Given that there was a bat involved, Carty was reviewed after being out lbw to Livingstone’s opening ball. As West Indies gradually reduced the needed rate while navigating England’s seven bowling options, he cut and swept two boundaries in one over and then hit Rashid over the deep midwicket boundary.
Both captains’ desire to bowl first at the toss was very evident from the speed with which the West Indies searched down their need. Though his seamers undoubtedly knew how to take advantage of the conditions, leaving England four down and teetering inside the first powerplay, Shai Hope, who grew up at Kensington Oval, stated that he was “not sure what we’re going to get” from the surface.
Both captains’ desire to bowl first at the toss was very evident from the speed with which the West Indies searched down their need. Though his seamers undoubtedly knew how to take advantage of the conditions, leaving England four down and teetering inside the first powerplay, Shai Hope, who grew up at Kensington Oval, stated that he was “not sure what we’re going to get” from the surface.