By Leighton Levy-Keacy Carty’s purple patch with the bat continued as he registered a third century in four matches, but his effort was ultimately eclipsed by a sublime unbeaten 166 from Joe Root that powered England to a three-wicket victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against the West Indies at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Sunday.
Sent in to bat, the West Indies posted a competitive 308 all out in 47.4 overs, thanks in large part to a 105-ball 103 from Carty, who anchored a series of vital partnerships. His 141-run stand with captain Shai Hope (78 off 66 balls) was the highlight of the innings, reviving the Caribbean side after an early stumble at 6-1.
Earlier, Brandon King gave the innings early momentum with a brisk 59 off 67 deliveries, featuring 10 boundaries. But despite a promising 205-2 platform, the Windies lost their last eight wickets for 103 runs as England’s bowlers struck back. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid led the charge with 4-63, including the key wickets of King, Hetmyer, Motie, and Joseph. Saqib Mahmood was tidy with 3-37 from 9.4 overs, while Carse, Bethell and Jacks chipped in with one apiece.
In reply, England were rocked early, losing both openers Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett for ducks inside the first two overs. Jayden Seales and debutant Matthew Forde had the hosts reeling at 2-2, but from that moment on, Root took charge.
The former England captain played one of his finest ODI innings, crafting 166 not out from 139 balls with 21 fours and two sixes. He was supported by Harry Brook (47 from 36) in an 85-run third-wicket stand that steadied the innings, before Will Jacks contributed a valuable 49 in a 143-run sixth-wicket partnership that virtually sealed the result.
Despite Alzarri Joseph’s impressive 4-31, including the scalps of Brook, Buttler, Jacks, and Carse, the West Indies couldn’t halt Root’s march. Rashid added a composed 10* to help take England home with 1.1 overs to spare, finishing on 312-7.
The match showcased flashes of brilliance from both sides, but in the end, it was Root’s commanding knock that proved the difference, guiding England to a three-wicket win and a series-clinching result. The third and final ODI will now serve as a chance for the West Indies to salvage some pride—and for Carty to further underline his rising stature. (Sportsmax)
