West Indies provided a breathtaking display of power hitting to chase down a formidable target of 219, defeating England by five wickets in the fourth T20I at Darren Sammy Stadium. The victory, which ended a three-match losing streak for the hosts, was built on a remarkable opening partnership between Shai Hope and Evin Lewis, followed by a calm finish from Rovman Powell and Sheraine Rutherford, who saw them across the line with seven balls to spare.
The match turned into an exhilarating run-fest, with both teams putting up record-breaking totals. England’s innings were built around half-centuries from Jacob Bethell (62) and Phil Salt (55), as well as a late surge from Jos Buttler (38). But West Indies responded with explosive batting of their own, led by Hope and Lewis, who put on an astonishing 136-run opening stand in just 55 balls. This marked the highest successful run-chase in T20I history at the venue and the second-highest overall for West Indies.
Hope and Lewis Set the Tone
West Indies were chasing 219, and they came out with a fierce intent. Shai Hope, in particular, was in sublime touch, bringing up his fifty in just 23 balls. The England bowlers, who had been outstanding in the series, were suddenly on the back foot as Hope’s bludgeoning fours and sixes cut through the field with precision. He struck four fours and three sixes in his 54 off 23, playing with freedom from the start.
Evin Lewis was just as destructive. His trademark power hitting was on full display as he smashed 68 off 31 balls, including a jaw-dropping 105-meter six over long-on off Liam Livingstone’s leg spin. The duo’s assault was ferocious, with the pair hitting a combined 10 sixes and 11 fours, rattling England’s bowlers. Together, they powered West Indies to 100 in just 7.3 overs, setting the stage for an incredible chase.
However, just as it seemed that West Indies were cruising to victory, a flurry of wickets threatened to derail their chase. Lewis holed out to Dan Mousley off Rehan Ahmed, and Hope was run out by a sharp throw from Liam Livingstone, leaving the hosts at 138 for 3 after 10 overs.
England’s Fightback
England fought back, with the key wicket of West Indies captain Rovman Powell (38 off 23) falling to John Turner, who was making his T20I debut. With Powell gone, the chase was delicately poised with 23 runs needed from 21 balls. West Indies, now in a minor slump, still had Sheraine Rutherford and Roston Chase at the crease.
Rutherford’s fortunes reflected the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. He skied one delivery from Sam Curran high into the air, only for it to drop between four converging fielders—a sign that it might just be West Indies’ night. Rutherford, after surviving that scare, finished things off in style, smashing a six off Gudakesh Motie’s bowling to take his side to within one boundary of victory. He needed just one more hit to seal it and did so with another six, this time dispatched deep into midwicket, as West Indies wrapped up the chase with seven balls remaining.
England’s Explosive Start
Earlier, England had posted a daunting total thanks to their opening pair, Salt and Will Jacks, who got off to a flying start. They put on 50 runs in just 4.2 overs, with Salt taking charge. Salt’s 55 off 35 balls was full of crisp hitting, including three sixes and five fours. He looked set to carry England past 200, and with Bethell anchoring the innings with 62 from 32 balls, England reached 218/5, their joint-highest total at the venue.
Bethell, especially, played an outstanding knock, blasting three consecutive sixes off Roston Chase to bring up his fifty in just 22 balls. His ability to clear the ropes under pressure was a highlight of the innings, ensuring England’s total remained competitive despite wickets falling regularly at the other end.
But despite the efforts of Bethell and Salt, England’s innings was slowed by a late collapse, with key wickets falling after the powerplay. Jos Buttler was dismissed for 38, and a few overs later, the wicket of Liam Livingstone (5) left England at 150/5. It was a frustrating finish to what had been a blistering start.
Twists, Turns, and a Record Chase
The West Indies chase was full of twists and turns. After the early carnage by Hope and Lewis, England had mounted a comeback, but Powell’s early exit and the loss of two quick wickets added more drama. However, the West Indies held their nerve. Powell, despite falling just short of the finish line, had laid the groundwork, while Rutherford kept his composure to finish off what had been a chaotic but thrilling run-chase.
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This victory was particularly sweet for the West Indies, who had already lost the series 3-0, but their batting on this night proved they still had the firepower to challenge any team. The win not only gave them a consolation victory in the series but also marked their highest successful chase at home, reaffirming their ability to produce high-octane cricket.
For England, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow after such a dominant series, but they will be encouraged by the performances of Bethell, Salt, and the early breakthroughs from their bowlers.
In the end, it was a night of breathtaking batting, a relentless chase, and some truly remarkable ball-striking that ensured West Indies would remember this game for years to come.
