West Indies' historic chase seals 2-1 ODI series victory against England

West Indies stormed to an impressive eight-wicket win over England, claiming a 2-1 series victory in grand style under the floodlights at Kensington Oval.

Stellar centuries from Keacy Carty and Brandon King propelled the hosts to a seamless run chase, setting a new record for West Indies’ highest partnership against England in ODIs, with a towering 209-run stand.

Carty reached a historic milestone, recording his maiden ODI century from 97 balls, and becoming the first cricketer from St. Maarten to achieve this landmark for the West Indies. King, not far behind, capitalized on a few dropped catches to secure his first century since the World Cup Qualifier in July 2023.

Their partnership left England’s bowlers struggling to find a breakthrough as the West Indies easily chased down the target, securing victory with overs to spare.

Earlier, England faced a tough start, slumping to 24 for 4 within the first powerplay due to a precise West Indies pace attack. Phil Salt played a resilient knock, facing the most deliveries in his international career, while young Dan Mousley contributed a valuable maiden ODI fifty.

England’s lower order managed to add crucial runs, with Jofra Archer’s explosive 38 off 17 balls and Jamie Overton’s 32 off 21 helping them reach a competitive total.

However, West Indies’ reply was explosive from the first ball as King smashed Jofra Archer through the covers, setting the tone for the chase. King continued to dominate, bringing up his fifty off 60 balls, and was ably supported by Carty, who survived a close lbw call to play a sublime innings, dispatching boundaries all around the ground.

Their combined effort took West Indies past England’s total with 13 runs to spare, despite losing King in the final stages.