In Barbados, the West Indies continued their winning streak. They made history by winning the ODI series at home for the first time in twenty-five years. Additionally, they secured a victory against England by four wickets with eleven balls left.
Moreover, in the exciting Twenty20 International match, West Indies emerged triumphant 1-0 in the series against England. This success was attributed to a fantastic comeback by all-rounder Andre Russell.
Russell played a significant role in the game, demonstrating his skills with both the bat and the ball. Furthermore, his contributions were instrumental in helping the hosts successfully chase down the target. Andre Russell played a key role by taking three wickets. Additionally, he formed an unbeaten partnership with Captain Rovman Powell. Consequently, their efforts led West Indies to a four-wicket victory over England in the first T20 series in Bridgetown.
In conclusion, the West Indies’ winning streak continued, and their victory in the Twenty20 International match was a result of Russell’s stellar performance. Consequently, the team achieved success in both the ODI and T20I series against England.
West Indies Win First Match of the Series
While batting, Salt struck six boundaries and hit a six. Moreover, Shimron Hetmyer made a fantastic juggling catch to grab him at deep midwicket. Additionally, Hetmyer also caught skipper Buttler at the cow corner. However, England couldn’t take full advantage of their fast start, reaching 112-2 halfway through their innings.
Before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, Will Jacks contributed with two sixes in his short innings. Joseph gave away 25 runs in his expensive first over. However, he finished with more reasonable figures by taking wickets later in the innings.
Furthermore, the crowd at Kensington Oval cheered for Joseph’s amazing leaping catch at long-off. Romario Shepherd halted Ben Duckett’s cameo and dismissed Sam Curran.
Liam Livingstone chopped an off-cutter from Russell onto his stumps. Additionally, Brook was caught behind by Pooran. Moreover, Russell, playing in his first international match since the 2021 T20 World Cup, continued his impressive form. Powell caught Ahmed at long off. Joseph finished with a powerful dismissal of Rashid in the final over, leaving England all out for 171.
Later, Ahmed dismissed Shepherd for a golden duck. Moreover, Shai Hope was caught at wide long-on. He used the slip Butter had given him to dismiss Shepherd. The West Indies took the lead with 32 runs in two overs. This was due to expensive overs from Livingstone and Mills. However, the hosts still needed 49 runs to win.
Russell secured a series-opening victory by hitting Rashid for a six and a four, reducing the required runs to four. He carved up Sam Curran to the boundary of the backward point.
The Match Overview
Choosing to bat first, England started quickly, scoring 77 runs in the first six overs. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler set the pace, taking advantage of the fielding restrictions. However, in the final over of the powerplay bowled by Alzarri Joseph, West Indies lost 26 runs, including wides.
Moreover, there was a change in the second half of England’s innings. Key breakthroughs by Jason Holder and Joseph, along with Buttler getting out for 39, caused a collapse.
Consequently, Russell, Holder, and Joseph played crucial roles as England’s score dropped from 165/5 to 171 all out. Notably, Russell, with an impressive economy of 4.80, took three crucial wickets.
Similarly, in response, West Indies also had a strong start, scoring 59 runs in the first six overs. Brandon King’s aggressive innings, including two sixes and a four off Sam Curran, set the tone.
Additionally, Kyle Mayers added a big six off Will Jacks. However, Mayers got out after scoring 35 runs, despite a good start. This made the middle part of West Indies’ chase resemble England’s innings. Unfortunately, the important wickets taken by Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed slowed down the hosts.
However, a brief rain delay halted play, disrupting England’s momentum. Therefore, after the weather delay, West Indies resumed at 123/6, and Russell and Rovman Powell led a comeback. Powell eased the pressure with two consecutive sixes. Russell then finished the match in the penultimate over with powerful hitting.
Consequently, Russell’s impressive 29-run performance played a big role. Powell’s 31 runs off 15 balls also contributed, securing a comprehensive victory for the hosts and overpowering England’s defense.
Russell Shines in Comeback as West Indies Win T20I Opener
In the first game of the West Indies’ five-match Twenty20 International series against England in Barbados, Andre Russell made a remarkable comeback to cricket.
Moreover, Russell, with his efficient three-wicket performance, slowed down England’s aggressive play. However, Phil Salt’s quick forty from 20 balls gave them a good start in the power play.
Later, Russell and Rovman Powell teamed up with a strong partnership. They scored 49 runs in 21 balls at the seventh wicket, helping West Indies exceed a target of 172.
Furthermore, Russell hit a fantastic four off Sam Curran at the start of the 19th over. This secured West Indies the highest run-chase in T20Is in Barbados. Additionally, despite the loss, England showed promise.
Especially with the effective combination of Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, a potential replacement, who together took five wickets. However, this loss adds to England’s challenges. They need to regain their dominance with the white ball before defending their T20 World Cup title next year. This is especially notable following their loss in the ODI series last week.
Watch Live: West Indies vs England T20 2023
West Indies is stronger than England in T20 international cricket, winning 14 out of 24 games played. In comparison, England has won ten.
Moreover, in a recent match in the shortest format, West Indies narrowly defeated England 3-2. This happened in a thrilling five-match Twenty20 International series in the Caribbean in 2022.
Therefore, you have the option to watch the West Indies vs. England T20Is in 2023 live. This is available on the FanCode app and website in India. No TV channel in India will broadcast the live telecast of the WI vs ENG T20Is 2023.
