The final match of the three-match T20 International series between England and West Indies was played in Southampton. In this thrilling match, the host England displayed brilliant batting and scored a huge score of 248 runs. This was England’s second-highest score in T20 International cricket.
In reply, the West Indies team could only score 211 runs and lost the match by 37 runs. With this victory, England whitewashed West Indies 3-0 in the series. Earlier, West Indies had to face a clean sweep in the ODI series as well.
Toss and England’s explosive batting
West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and decided to bowl first, but this decision backfired. England made a partnership of 120 runs in 8.5 overs for the first wicket. In the entire innings, England scored 248 runs in 20 overs losing 3 wickets. Jamie Smith scored 60 runs in 26 balls, Ben Duckett scored 84 runs in 46 balls, Jos Butler scored 22 runs in 10 balls, Harry Brook scored 35 runs in 22 balls and Jacob Bethell played a stormy innings of 36 runs in 16 balls. A total of 15 sixes and 18 fours were hit in England’s innings, which made the West Indies bowlers completely helpless.
Early setbacks in West Indies batting
Chasing a huge target of 249 runs, West Indies got off to a bad start. Both their openers returned to the pavilion in the powerplay itself. Captain Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer tried to handle the innings, but Hetmyer was dismissed after scoring 26 runs in 8 balls. Shai Hope scored 45 runs in 27 balls, Rovman Powell scored 79 runs in 45 balls and Jason Holder scored 25 runs in 12 balls. However, the team could only score 211 runs after losing 8 wickets in 20 overs.
Strong performance of England bowlers
Luke Wood bowled brilliantly for England and took 3 wickets, while Adil Rashid took 2 wickets. These bowlers prevented the West Indies batting from reaching a big score and gave England a great victory.
