England Secure First T20 Series Victory Away from Home Since World Cup Triumph
England claimed a hard-fought three-wicket victory against West Indies, securing their first Twenty20 series win away from home since becoming world champions two years ago. This latest triumph, although not as straightforward as the previous two matches, saw the visitors successfully chase down a 146-run target, the smallest of the series.
The challenging conditions in Barbados, where dew made the ball skid on, gave way to a stickier surface in Saint Lucia, diminishing the impact of Jos Buttler’s hat-trick of correct toss calls. However, it was West Indies’ sloppy fielding that proved costly, as Liam Livingstone was dropped three times during his crucial 39-run innings.
In a dramatic finale, Shimron Hetmyer’s misjudged boundary catch allowed Dan Mousley to hit a decisive six, helping England overcome a nervy period when they had slipped to 75 for 4. Sam Curran’s 41-run knock and a crucial partnership with Livingstone guided the visitors to victory, with Rehan Ahmed sealing the win with four balls to spare.
Saqib Mahmood’s Standout Performance
Saqib Mahmood’s outstanding opening spell of 3-0-15-3 laid the foundation for England’s success, as he exploited the conditions and West Indies’ batting lineup. Jamie Overton also chipped in with a career-best three-wicket haul, as the visitors restricted the hosts to a manageable total.
Despite the challenging conditions, including a delay due to spongy outfield areas and a rain shower, England’s resilience and adaptability proved decisive, securing their first away series triumph since the 4-3 victory in Pakistan in autumn 2022.
This victory, which gave England an unassailable 3-0 lead with two matches to spare, showcased the team’s growth and ability to succeed in difficult away conditions, positioning them well for future international challenges.
“This win is a testament to the team’s determination and skill. We’ve been working hard to improve our performance on the road, and this series victory is a significant step forward.”
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