2nd ODI – Square 3 match series in low scoring game
England thumped the West Indians by 6 wickets in the second match of their three ODI series. Brilliant bowling from Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone brought down the hosts for less than expected, before Will Jacks, Butler and Brooks steamrolled the target with 17 overs to spare.
English bowlers did well to open the match with 4 quick wickets inside the opening powerplay. Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford stitched together a 128 run fifth wicket stand but after the partnership was broken, the West Indians collapsed to a total score of 202.
The English openers chasing down a relatively easy target, aggressively took on the West Indian seamers. Will Jacks and Phil Salt totalled 50 runs for the first wicket, and Jacks continued on until the 20th over where he was dismissed 73.
At this stage, England were 116 for 4 wickets, needing 87 runs to win. Jos Butler and Harry Brook put on a masterclass in ball control, nudging the white Dukes ball around for fun. Jos Butler played the role of aggressor, thumping 4 fours and 3 sixes to score 58 runs not out, while Brook contributed with an unbeaten 43 to seal the victory.
England’s win ties the series on all, keeping English hopes alive following a tough first match defeat. West Indies will hope to put in a better performance come 9 December, as both sides go head to head in a winner takes all final match and settle all debates.
Chief Scores :
West Indies – 202 for 10 in 39.4 overs (Shai Hope 68, Sherfane Rutherford 63, Romario Shepherd 19, Sam Curran 3 for 33, Liam Livingstone 3 for 39, Gus Atkinson 2 for 28)
England 206 for 4 in 32.5 overs (Will Jacks 73, Jos Butler 58*, Harry Brook 43*, Gudakesh Motie 2 for 34, Sherfane Ruther ford 1 for 24, Romario Shepherd 1 for 27)