St. Lucia was expected to deliver high scores for the third T20 match between England and the West Indies, but this assumption quickly crumbled in the face of both teams’ performances. England had to battle hard to chase down West Indies’ 145-8, eventually clinching victory with only three wickets in hand and four balls to spare. This win sealed a 3-0 series victory for England, marking their first T20 series win away from home in two years.
The match began on a wet outfield at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, where torrential rain over the preceding days raised doubts about whether play could proceed. Despite the weather, the game started nearly an hour late, and England got to work immediately. In the very first over, Jacob Bethell showcased his fielding prowess by running out Shai Hope with a direct hit, a dismissal that set the tone for England’s aggressive approach.
The new-ball duo of Saqib Mahmood and Jofra Archer wasted no time in swinging the ball, dismantling West Indies’ top order within the first few overs. By the time Mahmood dismissed Shimron Hetmyer, West Indies were reeling, having lost five wickets within the powerplay. Mahmood, later reflecting on his partnership with Archer, noted how well they coordinated their bowling plans, with England’s captain Jos Buttler even advising Mahmood to bowl a short delivery to Hetmyer, which resulted in a crucial wicket.
West Indies’ top five all departed for single figures, leaving their team in a dire position. However, a spirited 73-run partnership between Romario Shepherd and captain Rovman Powell helped West Indies inch towards a respectable total. Powell contributed a crucial 54 off 40 balls, but the momentum was interrupted by England pacer Jamie Overton, who took three key wickets, including that of Powell. Overton’s clever mix of pace and slower deliveries further undermined West Indies’ hopes, leaving them with a final total that was unlikely to trouble England on most occasions.
However, England’s chase began in shaky fashion. Both Phil Salt and Buttler were removed early by Akeal Hosein, and Bethell was dismissed quickly as well, leaving England at 37-3 with a significant target still in front of them. The West Indies saw a glimmer of hope as Nicholas Pooran dropped Liam Livingstone twice in quick succession, only to see him survive and add crucial runs. Hetmyer also put down a diving catch attempt from Livingstone, which allowed England to remain in the game despite their early setbacks.
Sam Curran, promoted to number five, played a pivotal role in stabilizing England’s innings. With a quick-fire 41 off 26 balls, he kept the required run rate under control and added a sense of composure in the middle of the innings. Livingstone supported him well, but the two benefitted from West Indies’ struggle to field effectively, a factor amplified by the dew that made gripping the ball difficult.
Even with Curran’s dismissal with 33 runs still needed, England held the advantage. Although Dan Mousley and Livingstone would both fall before the target was reached, the balance remained in England’s favor, and they ultimately secured the victory in the final over. The win marked an essential achievement for the English team, which had been struggling for consistency in away T20 series. This victory, their first on foreign soil since October 2022, demonstrated their ability to capitalize on favorable conditions.
While England benefited from winning all three tosses in the series, it was their resilience and skill that truly set them apart. England’s bowlers set the stage with disciplined bowling and strategic field placements, while the batters, despite an uneasy start, found a way to chase down the target. Curran’s innings was particularly vital in injecting calm and momentum into England’s chase.
