In a thrilling encounter at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia, West Indies pulled off a record-breaking chase to secure a 5-wicket victory over England. This victory in the 4th T20I marked the first win for the hosts in the five-match series, which England currently leads 3-1.
England’s explosive start
After being sent in to bat, England posted an imposing 218/5 in their 20 overs, courtesy of some power-packed performances. Phil Salt laid the foundation with a blistering 55 off 35 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes. Jacob Bethell was the standout, smashing 62 not out off just 32 balls, including four fours and five towering sixes. Contributions from Jos Buttler (38 off 23) and Sam Curran (24 off 13) further bolstered the total.
For the West Indies, Gudakesh Motie (4-0-40-2) was the pick of the bowlers, while Alzarri Joseph and Roston Chase chipped in with a wicket each. However, the bowlers struggled overall as England’s batting lineup dictated terms.
Alzarri gets things started with a wicket! 🏏💪🏾#TheRivalry | #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/Gn6MbIjzJe
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 16, 2024
Also READ: West Indies unveil squad for the home Test series against Bangladesh; Alzarri Joseph returns
West Indies’ record-breaking chase
Chasing a daunting target of 219, West Indies started aggressively, with Evin Lewis leading the charge. His explosive 68 off 31 balls, adorned with four fours and seven sixes, set the tone. Shai Hope, later named Player of the Match, anchored the innings with a magnificent 54 off 24 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes.
Smashed💥…platform set for the #MenInMaroon#TheRivalry | #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/KHgwBGcYbJ
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 16, 2024
Quality batting from Hope! 🏏💥#TheRivalry | #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/cdjBTAdNTI
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 16, 2024
Evin Lewis’ blistering 68 (31) and a 136-run opening partnership off just 55 balls with Shai Hope ensured a resounding victory for the Windies against England in the penultimate T20I! 🔥#WIvENGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/fgCNNfj5cM
— FanCode (@FanCode) November 17, 2024
Despite a brief hiccup with the dismissals of Nicholas Pooran (0) and Shimron Hetmyer (7) for cheap scores, Rovman Powell (38 off 23) and Sherfane Rutherford (29 not out off 17) kept the momentum alive. The West Indies completed the chase in just 19 overs, finishing at 221/5.
England’s bowlers found it challenging to contain the West Indian onslaught. Rehan Ahmed picked up three wickets but was expensive, conceding 43 runs in his four overs. Saqib Mahmood was economical with figures of 0/24 from four overs, but the rest of the attack, including Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, struggled to make an impact.
A massive hit from Evin sends it out of the ground for the CG United Moment of the Match!🏏#TheRivalry | #MatchMoment pic.twitter.com/mIrDk4ogoe
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 17, 2024
The fifth and final T20I will be played on Sunday, November 17, at the same venue.
Highest targets successfully chased by the West Indies in T20Is at home:
- 219 | Scored 221/5 vs England at Gros Islet, 2024
- 191 | Scored 194/1 vs India at Kingston, 2017
- 175 | Scored 176/3 vs South Africa at Tarouba, 2024
- 172 | Scored 172/6 vs England at Bridgetown, 2023