- By Manik Sharma
- Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:09 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
WI vs ENG, 1st T20I: After creating history by clinching the ODI series at home for the first time in 25 years, West Indies continued their winning form in Barbados, defeating the England side by four wickets with 11 balls to spare.
In a riveting T20I encounter, West Indies took a 1-0 series lead against England, courtesy of allrounder Andre Russell's comeback heroics. Russell was a standout performer in the match, delivering with both bat and ball as the hosts successfully chased down the target.
Opting to bat first, England had a blistering start, adding 77 runs in the powerplay. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler led the charge, exploiting first six overs fielding restrictions to their advantage. The final over of the powerplay, bowled by Alzarri Joseph, proved costly for West Indies, conceding 26 runs, including wides.
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However, the second half of England's innings witnessed a complete turnaround. Buttler's dismissal for 39 and crucial breakthroughs from Jason Holder and Joseph triggered a collapse, with England stumbling from 165/5 to 171 all out. Russell, Holder, and Joseph were instrumental in dismantling the English lineup. Russel took three crucial wickets with an impressive economy of 4.80.
West Indies in reply got off to a flyer themselves, posting 59 runs in the first six. Brandon King's aggressive innings, featuring two sixes and a four off Sam Curran, set the tone for the home team. Kyle Mayers contributed with a massive six off Will Jacks.
The middle phase of West Indies' chase mirrored England's innings, with Mayers getting out on 35 runs after a good start. Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed struck crucial blows, slowing down the hosts' progress. A brief rain delay interrupted play, causing a break in England's momentum.
Returning at 123/6 after the rain delay, West Indies forged their comeback in the game on the shoulders of Russel and Rovman Powell. Powell's successive sixes eased the pressure, and Russell, in a display of sheer power-hitting, finished the game in the penultimate over.
England struggled to contain the onslaught as Russell's explosive cameo of 29 runs, matched by Powell's 31 runs off 15 balls secured a comprehensive victory for the hosts.
