WI secure ODI series win with dominant display

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

In a thrilling finish to the One Day International (ODI) series, West Indies clinched an eight-wicket victory over England in Barbados, powered by stellar centuries from Keacy Carty (128 off 114 balls) and Brandon King (102 off 117 balls).

Chasing 264 for victory, Carty and King orchestrated a record-breaking 209-run partnership, the highest ever for West Indies against England in an ODI, leading their team comfortably in just 43 overs and sealing the series 2-1.

West Indies’ chase started strongly, with openers Evin Lewis and King providing a solid foundation. Although Jamie Overton dismissed Lewis for 19, King and Carty quickly took control.

Carty survived an early scare, successfully using DRS to overturn a leg before wicket decision against Liam Livingstone, which allowed him to settle into a formidable partnership with King.

Together, they steered West Indies past 100 runs within 19 overs and maintained a steady pace to cross the 150-run mark before the 27th over. Both players notched up their half-centuries, showing patience and aggression.

As the innings progressed, the England bowlers struggled to contain the flow of boundaries, with King and Carty dealing in regular fours and sixes. England’s frustrations were compounded when Jordan Cox dropped King off Jofra Archer’s bowling when King was on 86.

The Jamaican capitalised on the reprieve to bring up his century, while Carty became the first player from St Maarten to score an ODI century for the West Indies.

The massive stand finally ended when Reece Topley bowled King, but by then, the result was all but certain, and Carty’s finishing touch secured West Indies’ emphatic win.

Earlier in the day, after choosing to bowl, the West Indies’ pace trio of Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, and Romario Shepherd made full use of the conditions, reducing England to 24-4 within the first 10 overs.

Forde set the tone by removing Will Jacks for five, followed by Joseph dismissing Cox for one with a short ball.

Shepherd then took down Barbados-born Jacob Bethell, thanks to a stunning catch by Roston Chase for nought. Shepherd struck again to dismiss the in-form Liam Livingstone for six, putting England in a dire situation.

Phil Salt and Sam Curran staged a comeback with a gritty 70-run partnership, but the recovery was slow.

Curran eventually fell for 40, and although Salt raised another 70-run stand with Dan Mousley, he departed for 74 thanks to sharp relay fielding from King and Joseph.

Mousley registered his maiden ODI 50, and quick contributions from Overton (32) and Archer (38) helped England post a respectable 263.

An on-field incident added drama to England’s innings as Joseph, unhappy with the field setup, had a tense exchange with captain Shai Hope. Joseph stormed off the field briefly, missing part of the game before being persuaded to return by head coach Daren Sammy.