In a tense clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, England won over West India by five wickets in the second ODI of the three-match series. As a result of a thrilling chase, England successfully chased down the huge target of 329 with 15 balls to spare. Liam Livingstonetheir century anchored their innings.
West Indies’ solid batting is supported by Shai Hope
After being put into bat by England, West Indies posted a difficult total of 328/6 in their 50 overs. The innings got off to a rough start, Brandon King and Evin Lewis were dismissed early for 7 and 4 runs respectively. However, Keacy Carty steadied the ship with 71 off 77 balls, hitting 5 fours and a six. His efforts were boosted by Shai Hope, who played with the batting captain, scoring 117 off 127 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes to keep the West Indies innings going.
Sherfane Rutherford paced the scoring with a quickfire 54 off just 36 balls that included 4 fours and 3 sixes. Shimron Hetmyer added valuable runs with 24 off 11 deliveries including 3 sixes and Matthew Forde’s 23 off 11 deliveries led West Indies to a competitive result. England’s bowlers had a tough time with runs, with Jofra Archer and John Turner picking up important wickets, each taking one and two wickets respectively. Adil Rashid claimed his full quota, taking two wickets for 62 runs, with Liam Livingstone also securing a breakthrough, leaving Rutherford to break the threatening partnership.
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England level the series with Liam Livingstone’s blitz
Chasing 329, England started cautiously, with opener Philip Salt laying the foundation with a 59-ball 59 that included 8 boundaries. England lost early wickets, including Will Jacks and Jordan Cox, but Jacob Bethell (55 off 57) provided stability along with Salt. However, it was Livingston who stole the show with an explosive shot. His magnificent 124 off 85 balls with 5 fours and 9 sixes swung the momentum in England’s favour. Livingstone’s partnership with Sam Curran, who added 52 off 52 balls, was crucial in keeping England on track. Together, they powered through the West Indies bowling attack and relentlessly targeted boundaries. Lead England to victory in 47.3 overs with 5 wickets in hand.
West Indies’ bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs in the latter stages of the chase. Forde picked up figures of 48 for 3 in 8.3 while Roston Chase and Shamar Joseph took a wicket each. Despite Forde’s valiant efforts, the goal was not enough to stop England’s strike.
With this win, England made the upcoming third and final ODI in the much-anticipated decider at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown on 6 November, leveling the series 1–1.
