In a thrilling and record-breaking T20 match at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, England asserted their dominance over the West Indies by completing a clean sweep of the series with a 37-run victory in the third match. This encounter not only showcased the prowess of the England batting lineup but also highlighted the struggles faced by the West Indies throughout the series.
England’s innings began with explosive intent as the openers, Benjamin Duckett and Jamie Smith, set a blistering pace. Their partnership was a joy to behold, with Duckett crafting an impressive 84 runs off 46 balls and Smith contributing a blistering 60 off just 26 balls. Together, they built a formidable opening stand of 120 runs, effectively laying a solid foundation for what would become a record total. England’s eventual score of 248 for 3 represented their highest in T20s on home soil, surpassing the previous record of 234 against South Africa in July 2022. The batting display was characterized by innovative strokeplay, which included Duckett’s deft reverse sweeps and sharp cuts, leaving the West Indies bowlers hapless.
Duckett’s innings was particularly remarkable as he threatened to reach the century mark but fell short after misjudging a sweep. Nevertheless, his performance was pivotal in propelling England towards a record high. The momentum was continued in the later stages of the innings with Captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell both remaining unbeaten on 35 and 36 runs, respectively. Their aggression in the final overs meant that England finished their innings at a staggering total.
The West Indies responded with a spirited but ultimately futile chase, led by Rovman Powell, who scored 79 runs off 45 deliveries. Despite this valiant effort, the West Indies managed only 211 runs, resulting in a defeat by 37 runs. England’s bowlers played their part as well, with Luke Wood standing out by taking three wickets for 31 runs. The cumulative score of 459 runs between both teams marked the highest-scoring T20 international ever in England, shattering the previous record of 457 runs between England and Australia in 2013.
This match not only highlighted England’s batting prowess but also revealed the cracks in the West Indies’ performance. The team faced a disheartening clean sweep in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20s, a feat they had not encountered against England since 2012. Their bowling lacked coherence, with renowned players like Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hosein failing to contain the rampant English batsmen, with Shepherd’s economy rate spiraling during the innings.
Captain Shai Hope expressed disappointment, acknowledging that the team had not managed to deliver a complete performance throughout the series. Furthermore, with the absence of Nicholas Pooran, one of their leading T20 players, who decided to retire from international cricket, the West Indies face an uphill battle. As they look ahead to the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, coach Daren Sammy has a clear mandate to revitalize the squad.
After the match, England’s captain Harry Brook expressed satisfaction with the team’s conquest, highlighting the depth in their batting lineup that empowers the top order to hit aggressively. Coaches praised his leadership style, emphasizing that Brook’s relaxed demeanor has positively impacted the team’s performance. With a series clean sweep now achieved, England seems well-prepared as they embark on their next challenge, while West Indies must regroup and reassess their approach heading into future competitions.