Motie and Lewis Lead West Indies to Victory in Series Opener
In England’s innings, Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde each took two wickets alongside Motie's four-for, as England’s top order faltered despite promising starts. Phil Salt (18), Will Jacks (19), and Jordan Cox (17) couldn't build on their foundations. Although Sam Curran (37) and Liam Livingstone (48) stitched a crucial 72-run stand to revive the innings, a late collapse saw England bowled out in just 45.1 overs.
West Indies clinched an 8-wicket win over England in a rain-affected first ODI in Antigua, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. A stellar all-round bowling performance saw England dismissed for 209, with Gudakesh Motie leading the attack by picking up four wickets. Chasing a revised target of 157 in 35 overs, Evin Lewis powered the hosts to victory with a blistering 94 off 69 balls, aided by solid support from Brandon King.
In England’s innings, Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde each took two wickets alongside Motie's four-for, as England’s top order faltered despite promising starts. Phil Salt (18), Will Jacks (19), and Jordan Cox (17) couldn't build on their foundations. Although Sam Curran (37) and Liam Livingstone (48) stitched a crucial 72-run stand to revive the innings, a late collapse saw England bowled out in just 45.1 overs.
West Indies faced a revised target after rain delays. Lewis launched the chase in style, smashing three sixes within the first 10 overs. Together with King, who scored a steady 30, Lewis powered West Indies to 54/0 in the powerplay and 81/0 in 15 overs before another rain interruption. Once play resumed, Lewis continued his onslaught, reaching a 46-ball fifty and pushing West Indies beyond 100. Although he fell short of a century, Keacy Carty’s unbeaten 19 sealed the win for the hosts in 25.5 overs.
Brief Scores:
- England: 209 in 45.1 overs (Liam Livingstone 48, Sam Curran 37; Gudakesh Motie 4-41, Jayden Seales 2-22)
- West Indies: 157/2 in 25.5 overs (Evin Lewis 94, Brandon King 30; Liam Livingstone 1-32)
West Indies won by 8 wickets (DLS method)
