In a thrilling climax to the three-match ODI series in Barbados, Keacy Carty and Brandon King’s phenomenal centuries led the West Indies to a memorable eight-wicket victory over England. The Windies didn’t just win; they romped to victory, chasing down England’s target of 264 in only 43 overs. The massive partnership of 209 runs between Carty and King secured the series with a 2-1 win and rewrote the record books, setting the highest partnership for any wicket by West Indies against England in an ODI.
A Strong Start, a Record-Breaking Partnership
The West Indies began their chase on a steady note, with Evin Lewis and Brandon King providing a solid opening. Though Lewis fell early for 19 after a mistimed pull off Jamie Overton, King was far from finished. Enter Keacy Carty, whose innings was just getting started. This dynamic duo quickly formed a partnership that England’s bowlers found impossible to break. Carty used the DRS early on, overturning an LBW decision off Liam Livingstone and ensuring he stayed in the game. This successful review set the stage for his remarkable innings.
As they settled in, both batters crossed their half-centuries, with West Indies’ run rate accelerating past the 100-run mark within 19 overs. The scoreboard pressure on England grew as Carty and King attacked the bowlers, hitting boundaries at regular intervals.
England’s Bowling Woes Continue
England’s fielding left much to be desired. King was dropped by Jordan Cox when he was on 86, a costly mistake that allowed him to reach his century. Meanwhile, Carty achieved a milestone of his own, becoming the first player from St. Maarten to score a century for the West Indies—a moment to remember! The two pushed their partnership past 200, making England’s bowlers toil under the Barbados sun. Reece Topley eventually bowled King, but the damage was already done. Carty continued to push West Indies towards victory, providing the finishing touch with a boundary that sealed the historic win.
England’s Struggle: A Tale of Missed Opportunities and Limited Resistance
Earlier in the match, after opting to bat first, England found themselves on shaky ground. Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, and Romario Shepherd took advantage of the early morning conditions to make inroads. Forde dismissed Will Jacks in the third over, while Joseph sent Cox back to the pavilion with a well-placed bouncer. Shepherd joined the action soon after, taking the crucial wicket of Barbados-born Jacob Bethell, courtesy of a sharp catch from Roston Chase at backward point.
With England at 24 for 4, a quick exit seemed likely, but Phil Salt and Sam Curran had other ideas. Salt played a gritty knock, and together with Curran, added 70 runs to steady the innings. Curran fell for 40, but Salt, joined by Dan Mousley, added another 70-run partnership. Despite the tricky pitch conditions described as “tacky” by Salt, England clawed their way to a somewhat respectable total of 264. However, it was never going to be enough against a determined West Indies side.
Drama in the Field: Alzarri Joseph’s Frustration
The day wasn’t without its share of drama. Alzarri Joseph, after taking Jacks’ wicket, stormed off the field in visible frustration following a disagreement over field placement. Captain Shai Hope and Joseph engaged in a long discussion on the field, but whatever issues were brewing, Joseph seemed inconsolable, opting to walk off the field. It took intervention from head coach Daren Sammy to bring Joseph back into the fold, with West Indies playing a bowler short until his return.
Despite this episode, Joseph returned to continue his impactful bowling, joining his teammates in limiting England to a chaseable score. In the end, his early strikes and the composure of his fellow bowlers set the stage for the batters to finish the job.
Key Stats and Highlights from the Match
- Keacy Carty’s Record: With 128 off 114 balls, Carty became the first St. Maarten player to score an ODI hundred for the West Indies.
- Brandon King’s Century: King’s innings of 102 off 117 balls included a few lucky breaks but showcased a mix of poise and power.
- 209-Run Partnership: The highest partnership for West Indies against England in an ODI, leaving England’s bowlers exasperated.
- Early Collapse: England was 24 for 4, struggling against the West Indies pace attack in the opening overs.
FAQs
Keacy Carty played a sensational innings, scoring 128 off 114 balls. His century, a first for a St. Maarten player in ODIs, was instrumental in West Indies’ successful chase.
Brandon King’s 102 provided crucial support, partnering with Carty for a record-breaking 209-run stand, making the West Indies’ chase of 264 seem almost effortless.
England’s top order faltered under excellent seam bowling from West Indies. They were 24 for 4 early in the innings, with Phil Salt and Sam Curran later stabilizing the innings.
Joseph was visibly frustrated with field placement and left the field after taking a wicket. He returned after a pep talk from coach Daren Sammy and continued to bowl effectively.
Conclusion
West Indies’ eight-wicket win over England in Barbados was nothing short of spectacular. Keacy Carty and Brandon King’s centuries were the highlights, showcasing the batting depth and resilience of the West Indies team. England, on the other hand, was left to rue their early collapse and missed fielding opportunities that could have changed the outcome. The thrilling finish to this series gives the West Indies a crucial momentum boost and a record partnership to remember.
This 2-1 series victory over England is a promising sign for the West Indies as they look ahead to future challenges. With Carty and King shining, and the bowlers showing early breakthroughs, fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the team’s trajectory. The series may be over, but the excitement for West Indies cricket is just beginning.
