The Dominance of England Remains
England's thrilling three-wicket victory in Thursday's third Twenty20 International in St. Lucia gave them an insurmountable 3-0 series lead over the West Indies. The visitors faced fierce opposition despite their modest aim of 146, but they eventually prevailed because of the efforts of Sam Curran (41), Liam Livingstone (39), and Will Jacks (32). A remarkable match was set up earlier when England's quick bowlers Jamie Overton and Saqib Mahmood each took three wickets.
England's bowlers dominate the first inning.
A Horrible Beginning for the West Indies
Jos Buttler, the captain of England, made the right choice right away after winning the toss and choosing to field for the third straight game. In the first six overs of the powerplay, the West Indies were at 37/5 and reeling.
Jacob Bethell started the collapse with a clean run-out of Shai Hope in the first over.
Jofra Archer rattled Nicholas Pooran's stumps in the second over after Saqib Mahmood removed Evin Lewis.
With Shimron Hetmyer skying a pull shot to deep mid-wicket, Mahmood further tightened the noose.
Shepherd and Powell Retaliate
Romario Shepherd and Rovman Powell's pivotal 73-run partnership off 57 balls saved the innings. Shepherd's calm 30 and Powell's aggressive 54, full of power-packed boundaries, gave the West Indies a chance. They scored 26 runs off the ninth and tenth overs, specifically targeting England's spinners, Liam Livingstone and Rehan Ahmed.
But Jamie Overton hit twice in the 16th over to dismiss Shepherd and Gudakesh Motie as the tide turned. Powell was denied in the 18th, but the hosts reached 145/8 thanks to 23 crucial runs scored in the final two overs by Alzarri Joseph and Akeal Hosein. To know all cricket updates betpro exchange login.
Second Innings: A Unsteady Start for England's Difficult Chase
With Phil Salt leaving for just four runs after being bowled by Akeal Hosein, England's chase got a rough start. Will Jacks found it difficult to form partnerships despite a few clear boundaries, while Jacob Bethell and captain Jos Buttler also fell cheaply. England found themselves vulnerable at 42/3 at the end of the powerplay.
Curran and Jack will stabilize. With a 38-run partnership, Jacks and Sam Curran calmed England's jitters and anchored the innings. Curran gave the team much-needed momentum with consecutive boundaries off Terrance Hinds. But Jacks was out at a critical moment, and England needed another 65 runs.
The Explosive Impact of Livingstone
Liam Livingstone lived up to his reputation as an aggressive batsman. He took advantage of the chances, hitting a six off Alzarri Joseph and making crucial runs in the latter overs despite being dropped twice early in his innings. Curran narrowed the equation to 38 runs from 30 balls by joining the celebration with a huge six off Motie.
After a solid 41, Curran was dismissed, leaving England needing 22 runs from the final three overs. Livingstone's 16-run burst in the 18th over reduced the goal to five runs after Dan Mousley hit a vital six. Even when Livingstone fell in the penultimate over, the damage was already done. With four balls remaining, England completed a thrilling chase to secure the victory.
Key Performances
West Indies
Rovman Powell: 54 runs off 36 balls, including three sixes and four boundaries.
Romario Shepherd: 30 runs and a steady partnership with Powell.
Akeal Hosein: 4 wickets for 22 runs, keeping England under pressure.
England
Saqib Mahmood: 3 wickets for 17 runs, dismantling the West Indies' top order.
Jamie Overton: 3 wickets for 20 runs, ensuring no late surge from the hosts.
Sam Curran: 41 vital runs under pressure.
Liam Livingstone: 39 impactful runs, including a game-changing 16-run over.
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Looking Ahead
With the series already in the bag, England will look to continue their winning streak in the remaining games. Meanwhile, the West Indies will aim to regroup and salvage some pride in the concluding matches.
Brief Scores:
West Indies: 145/8 in 20 overs (Rovman Powell 54, Romario Shepherd 30; Saqib Mahmood 3-17, Jamie Overton 3-20)
England: 149/7 in 19.2 overs (Sam Curran 41, Liam Livingstone 39; Akeal Hosein 4-22)
Result: England won by three wickets.
England's third consecutive win highlighted their depth and resilience, setting the tone for a dominant tour.