Sunday, December 22, 2024

England in West Indies: Tourists seal T20 series win with nervy victory

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While the pitch was no minefield there was certainly enough to keep the bowlers interested, so having got England three down early, West Indies would have been confident of pressing home their advantage.

The impressive Hosein removed Phil Salt and Buttler, England’s standout batters in the first two games, while the returning Joseph had Bethell caught behind.

However, Will Jacks showed resolve and Curran looked in good touch from the outset, elegantly stroking his first ball for four.

That pair got England back on track but the key moments came soon after Jacks fell to Motie for 32.

Livingstone came in and promptly carted Joseph into the stands for six. But two balls later, he skied a hook shot, only for Pooran to shell the catch as he ran back from behind the stumps.

The next over saw Pooran gift Livingstone another chance when he edged behind off Motie with the ball bouncing out of the wicketkeeper’s gloves.

Curran’s innings came to an end when he picked out Hope at deep backward point to hand Terrance Hinds a first T20I wicket, and had Hetmyer held on to a tough low catch to dismiss Livingstone in the next over, England may have been in trouble.

Instead, Livingstone took the attack to Joseph, clubbing a six and two fours in the over, and 21 from 18 balls required was suddenly five from 12.

He fell trying to finish the game in style but Rehan Ahmed came in and slapped the ball over cover to finish the job for England in the last over.

England can celebrate the series win but West Indies will know that but for some sloppy fielding, they might be right back in it.

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