Windies Bounce Back with Thrilling High-Scoring Win Over England

The Darren Sammy Cricket Ground witnessed a thrilling high-scoring encounter as the West Indies achieved their second-highest successful run chase in T20 internationals, defeating England by five wickets with an over to spare.  

Chasing 219, the West Indies were propelled by explosive half-centuries from openers Shai Hope and Evin Lewis. The victory came in a dead-rubber match, with England having already secured the series by winning the first three games of the five-match contest.  

England started strongly, with openers Phil Salt and Will Jacks adding 54 runs for the first wicket before Jacks fell to Alzarri Joseph in the fifth over. Salt continued to dominate, reaching 55 off 30 balls, including four sixes and five fours, before being dismissed by Roston Chase in the 10th over. Contributions from skipper Jos Buttler (38 off 23), Jacob Bethell (an unbeaten 62), and Sam Curran (24 off 13) helped England post a formidable 218/6.  

In response, the West Indies’ top order, which had struggled throughout the series, finally fired. Shai Hope led the charge, racing to his half-century off just 23 balls, while Lewis supported him with calculated aggression. Lewis shifted gears in the eighth over, smashing three sixes off Liam Livingstone, and reached his 50 in 26 balls. The pair’s partnership of 136 laid the foundation for the chase.  

England fought back briefly, dismissing Lewis (68 off 30) and Hope (run out for 57) in quick succession before Rehan Ahmed bowled Nicholas Pooran for a duck. Suddenly, the West Indies found themselves at 136/3.  

However, skipper Rovman Powell steadied the innings with a composed 38 off 23 balls, including three sixes, before being trapped lbw by John Turner. Sharfane Rutherford then sealed the win with an unbeaten 29, finishing the match in style by hitting Dan Mousley for two sixes.  

Reflecting on the victory, Powell credited the team's commitment. "The guys were more committed. It’s better to finish 3-2 than 4-1. There’s still a lot to play for," he said, looking ahead to the final match on Sunday.  

Despite the loss, Buttler praised the efforts of both teams. "It was an excellent wicket. We got off to a great start with Jacks and Salty. I thought we needed at least 220. They played exceptionally well and put us under pressure. It was a good game of cricket," he remarked.  

This entertaining contest showcased the West Indies' resilience and set the stage for an exciting series finale.

More: Germany vs Bosnia-Herzegovina: Preview, Predictions, Team News, and Lineups