West Indies took a 2-0 lead over England in their five-match T20 International Series when they earned a hard-fought victory in the second match by 10 runs on Thursday at the Grenada National Stadium.
Opener Brandon King played a superb knock of 82 not out off 52 balls faced as he batted through the innings to set the visitors a target of 177. In response, Sam Curran (50) top-scored for England while pace bowler Alzarri Joseph picked up three vital wickets as the tourists were restricted to 166-7 in 20 overs.
King smashed five sixes and eight fours to earn the Player of the Match award. Captain Rovman Powell also played a brilliant knock as he struck four sixes and a boundary in one over to bring up his half-century in 22 balls in a whirlwind partnership. It set a new West Indies record for the fifth wicket – breaking the previous mark of 77 between Dwayne Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan.
Andre Russell also smashed two sixes at the back end of the innings as the West Indies piled on 72 runs in the last five overs.
“We lost some early wickets, so we had to access very quickly and go about setting a target in a smart way. I got a good start in the power play and was able to settle in. I was fully aware I had to carry on until the end. It was difficult for new batters to come in and get going, so I was pleased not just with the score, but with the way I played under pressure and it also helped the team to win the match,”
King said after the day’s play.
The home side had the perfect start in the second innings when England captain Jos Buttler fell early to Akeal Hosein (2-24) while the other left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie halted England’s progress – going for just nine runs in four overs.
The match marked the first time a female umpire from the West Indies, Jacqueline Williams, had stood in a men’s T20 International between two full-member teams.
The third match of the five-match series will also be played the Grenada National Stadium. A win would see West Indies take an unassailable 2-0 lead. First ball on Saturday is 1:30 pm. (CWI)
