ENGLAND V WEST INDIES
Joe Root walks off to a standing ovation after guiding England to victory © Getty
Match Overview
Joe Root produced a remarkable innings of 166 runs off 139 balls, featuring 21 fours and two sixes, which eclipsed Keacy Carty’s 103 runs. Despite a strong bowling performance from Alzarri Joseph (4-31), England secured a three-wicket victory over West Indies in the second ODI in Cardiff, thereby winning the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The West Indies set a target of 308 runs, but England surpassed it with seven balls to spare.
West Indies Batting Struggles
The West Indies faced an early challenge after Jewel Andrew was dismissed for a duck in the second over, courtesy of Brydon Carse’s extra bounce. Both Carse and Saqib Mahmood made life difficult for the West Indies batters, who managed to stabilise after witnessing a few missed wicket opportunities. They ended the first PowerPlay at 56 for 1, having settled into a rhythm with some boundary scoring.
Partnership and Wickets
Although England’s bowlers attempted to regain control, Carty and King’s partnership grew, helping Carty reach his century. Their union of 141 runs was finally broken when King was caught attempting a big shot off Adil Rashid. Carty then added to the score with another partnership with Shai Hope before his stumping by Will Jacks. West Indies lost their momentum, and crucial wickets fell, leaving them with a total of 308 after 47.4 overs.
England’s Chase Begins
The West Indies made a strong start with the ball by dismissing both openers, marking only the second time England lost their first two batsmen without scoring in a home ODI. England quickly shifted gears with Harry Brook hitting boundaries before Root settled in, producing an effective partnership after facing an early scare when he survived a leg-before-wicket review.
Root’s Dominance
Joe Root eventually found his rhythm, moving past fifty and becoming England’s leading run-scorer in ODIs. While wickets fell at the other end, Root anchored the innings alongside Will Jacks, bringing up his century off 98 balls. With crucial boundaries, they drove England’s chase forward, keeping the required run rate manageable as they approached the end of the innings.
Victory Secured
Despite losing some wickets late in the innings, Root reached 150 runs and kept England on track. A series of boundaries from him and Rashid eased the pressure. Root ultimately clinched the match with a boundary, leading England to their target in the 49th over.
Match Summary: West Indies 308 in 47.4 overs (Keacy Carty 103, Shai Hope 78, Brandon King 59; Adil Rashid 4-63, Saqib Mahmood 3-37) lost to England 312/7 in 50 overs (Joe Root 166*, Will Jacks 49, Harry Brook 47; Alzarri Joseph 4-31) by 3 wickets.
© Cricbuzz
