Keacy Carty and Brandon King scored brilliant centuries as West Indies cruised to an eight-wicket victory over England in the third ODI at Kensington Oval, sealing a 2-1 series win. The hosts chased down England’s total of 263 for 8 with ease, thanks to a dominant 209-run partnership between Carty (128*) and King (102*), who both recorded their first-ever ODI hundreds.
Carty, playing in only his 12th ODI, became the first cricketer from St Maarten to reach the milestone. His 128* came off 97 balls, including 12 fours and 2 sixes, while King, who had been dropped twice during his knock, powered to 102* from 98 balls, marking his first 50-plus score in ODIs since the World Cup Qualifier in July 2023.
The West Indies chase was never in doubt after a shaky England start. The visitors, having been reduced to a perilous 24 for 4 inside the first powerplay, fought back with a steady 79 from Phil Salt and a maiden ODI fifty from Dan Mousley (57). However, it was clear from the outset that England’s total would not be enough to challenge West Indies, especially with their openers firing.
England’s early collapse came after some fine seam bowling by the West Indies attack. Alzarri Joseph, who was involved in an unusual on-field confrontation with captain Shai Hope, dismissed Jordan Cox with a rising delivery. Matthew Forde struck early as well, and Romario Shepherd, despite an injury scare, joined the fray with key wickets, including that of England’s No. 3 batter, Jacob Bethell.
Salt and Mousley provided resistance, but their efforts were overshadowed by the steady fall of wickets. Lower-order contributions from Reece Topley (32) and Jofra Archer (38*) lifted England’s total, but West Indies made light work of the chase.
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King and Carty’s fluent batting was a highlight, with both players showcasing an array of powerful strokes. Carty, in particular, brought up his maiden century with a crisp boundary off Jacob Bethell, and King followed suit shortly after, raising his third ODI hundred with a boundary off Archer.
West Indies’ win was a testament to their resilience and strength in all departments. The series victory is a significant achievement for Shai Hope’s men, who, after a difficult start to the year, now look set to build on this success in the upcoming fixtures.
Match Scorecard
England 263/8 (50 overs)
Phil Salt: 79 (108 balls)
Dan Mousley: 57 (70 balls)
Jofra Archer: 38* (17 balls)
Matthew Forde: 3/35 (10 overs)
Romario Shepherd: 2/33 (6.1 overs)
West Indies 264/2 (43 overs)
Keacy Carty: 128* (114 balls)
Brandon King: 102 (117 balls)
Jamie Overton: 1/17 (4 overs)
Reece Topley: 1/55 (9 overs)
Match Result: West Indies won by 8 wickets.
Series Result: West Indies won the series with a scoreline of 2-1.
