West Indies emerged victorious against England in a pulsating third and final encounter of the three-match ODI series at the iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The match featured some exceptional performances from both sides, but West Indies players shone brighter and overshadowed the English side to clinch the series (2-1).
England’s innings: A rollercoaster ride
Asked to bat first, England faced early setbacks as their top order struggled against a disciplined West Indies bowling attack. Philip Salt, Will Jacks, and Zak Crawley departed early, leaving the visitors in a precarious position. However, Ben Duckett played a crucial innings, scoring 71 runs off 73 balls, providing the backbone for England’s total of 206/9 in 40 overs.
The West Indies bowlers put up an impressive performance, with Matthew Forde leading the charge, claiming three wickets for 29 runs. Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph also chipped in with crucial wickets, restricting England’s scoring opportunities.
West Indies chase down the target: Carty and Athanaze shine
Chasing a rain-revised target of 188 via DLS method, West Indies showcased resilience and determination in their innings. Keacy Carty‘s brilliant half-century, scoring 50 runs off 58 balls, set the tone for the hosts. Alick Athanaze contributed a crucial 45 runs, anchoring the innings with seven boundaries.
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Romario Shepherd’s match-winning cameo
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, West Indies maintained their composure. Shepherd’s explosive 41 runs off 28 balls, including three fours and three sixes, played a pivotal role in steering the home team towards victory.
Jacks emerged as the standout performer for England in the bowling department, claiming three wickets for 22 runs. Gus Atkinson also made crucial breakthroughs, securing two wickets for 58 runs. However, West Indies managed to reach the target with four wickets in hand, securing the series win against England on home soil after 25 years.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
West Indian fans will feel lifted that after 25 years, West Indies defeat England in an ODI series in the Caribbean. Good debut for Mathew Forde. Great that Keacy Carty is as persisted with. That’s the culture of stability, backing and trust that creates a good culture.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 10, 2023
That winning feeling.🏆#WIvENG #WIHomeForChristmas pic.twitter.com/3EwRNx210k
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) December 10, 2023
History rewritten in Barbados! West Indies clinch a stunning 2-1 ODI series victory against England after 25 years on home turf. Captain Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Alich Athanaze, Matthew Forde, and the entire team’s collective effort make this triumphtruly remarkable.#WIvENG pic.twitter.com/lKpe4YPnkM
— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7) December 10, 2023
ROMARIO SHEPHERD, THE HERO OF WEST INDIES. 🫡
41* runs from just 28 balls helped West Indies to chase down 188 runs from 31.4 overs and won the ODI series 2-1 against England. pic.twitter.com/katcdVqaBW
— Salman Khan (@SalmanK53465481) December 10, 2023
WEST INDIES WIN BY FOUR WICKETS
WE TAKE THE SERIES 2-1
SAMMY THE MASTERMIND HAS DONE IT pic.twitter.com/F9RGmSCgPj
— Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@CaribCricket) December 10, 2023
Massive statement from West Indies – to win ODi Series from England. ICC should revise it’s strategy & maximize more teams instead of decreasing them! pic.twitter.com/VTp7csnh1v
— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) December 10, 2023
Saw this young man from his start at the West Indies U19 team. The dedication and passion he has will take him very far in his international career.
3/29, 13*- Player of the Match on ODI debut
Well done Matthew Forde👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/ebBJIHyl9f
— Naasira Mohammed (@NaasiraMohammed) December 10, 2023
The Windies have done it and Won a series against England after 25 years on their home ground and the credit must be given to one of my Favourites Darren Sammy their Coach ♥️👏#WPLAuction | #BabarButler #WestIndies | #BabarAzam #ENGvsWI |#INDvsSA | #PSL9 #AnimalBoxOffice pic.twitter.com/3cAeFfoiWo
— Haris Arshad (@harris00071) December 10, 2023
Good morning🌞🥱🥱🥱
Romario Shepherd fire🔥
Westindies won the match by 4⃣ Wicket and
CLINCH A 2-1 SERIES VICTORY!Their first ODI series win against England in the Caribbean for 25 years! 😲#ENGvsWI 3rd ODI#WIvENG pic.twitter.com/OZSZ6Zm4bG
— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) December 10, 2023
A 2-1 series victory for the West Indies! 👏
They secure the series with a four-wicket victory against England in Barbados 💪#BBCCricket #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/EJ5uLtAftn
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) December 10, 2023
West Indies have won their first ODI series against England in West Indies after 25 years.
The wait is over! Daren Sammy, their head coach, has made it possible for them ♥️ #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/p3NQDOkleB
— Rushabh Patwa (@dodo_rp301985) December 10, 2023