Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton sizzle in England’s series-clinching win over West Indies in 3rd T20I

In a nail-biting finish at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia, England edged out West Indies by three wickets in the 3rd T20I of their 2024 tour. The visitors chased down the 146-run target with four balls to spare, taking the series lead with a clinical all-around performance.

West Indies struggle with the bat despite Rovman Powell’s knock

Opting to bat first after England elected to bowl, West Indies had a shaky start as their top order failed to build momentum. Opener Evin Lewis fell for just 3 runs, and Shai Hope followed suit shortly after, scoring 4 runs off two balls. Nicholas Pooran, coming in next, managed a six but departed quickly for 7 runs. The middle order also struggled, with Shimron Hetmyer (2) and Roston Chase (7) unable to stabilize the innings.

However, Rovman Powell emerged as a saving grace for West Indies, contributing a gritty 54 off 41 balls, including three fours and four sixes. He was supported by Romario Shepherd, who scored 30 off 28 balls, and Alzarri Joseph, whose quick 21 off 19 balls helped push West Indies to a respectable 145/8 in their 20 overs.

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Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton shine with the ball

England’s bowlers put on an impressive display, with Saqib Mahmood leading the charge. Mahmood finished with figures of 3/17 in his four overs, while Jamie Overton also took three crucial wickets, conceding just 20 runs. Jofra Archer provided early breakthroughs, dismissing Lewis and keeping the West Indies batters in check with his pace. England’s disciplined bowling attack kept the run rate under control and prevented West Indies from posting a more substantial total.

England’s response led by Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone

England’s chase began with some early hiccups as opener Philip Salt departed for a mere 4 runs. Will Jacks anchored the innings with a steady 32 off 33 balls but struggled to accelerate. Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone then took charge, turning the game in England’s favor. Curran played a brisk knock of 41 off 26 balls, hitting three fours and a six, while Livingstone added 39 runs off 28 balls, including two fours and two sixes.

As wickets fell regularly, England found themselves under pressure, but Rehan Ahmed‘s quick 5 runs off 4 balls at the tail end helped guide them home. England achieved the target in 19.2 overs, finishing at 149/7 to secure a close victory.

Akeal Hosein’s impressive spell in vain

Despite the defeat, West Indies’ Akeal Hosein delivered a standout performance with the ball. He took 4/22 in his four overs, dismantling England’s middle order and keeping the game competitive until the final overs. Terrance Hinds and Gudakesh Motie supported him with one wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to stop England from clinching the win.

Mahmood was deservingly named Player of the Match for his impactful bowling performance, which set the tone for England’s successful chase. His three-wicket haul early in the game kept West Indies on the back foot, paving the way for England’s narrow victory in this thrilling encounter.

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