West Indies overpowers England by five wickets in WCL 2024 thriller

West Indies Champions defeated the England Champions by five wickets in the 12th match of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024.

This victory brings the West Indies to four points from four matches, with a win against the Australia Champions tomorrow ensuring their place in the semi-finals.

Despite a rocky start, losing legendary Chris Gayle in the first over, the Windies maintained their aggressive approach, relentlessly attacking the English bowlers. Chadwick Walton shone with the bat, scoring a remarkable 85 runs off 42 balls, featuring nine fours and five sixes. Jasom Mohammed contributed a swift 34 runs off 24 balls, but it was Ashley Nurse's explosive 47-run innings off 25 balls that sealed the victory for the West Indies.

On the bowling front, Samit Patel claimed two wickets, while Ryan Jay Sidebottom, Ravi Bopara, and Usman Afzaal each took one wicket.

Earlier in the match, England faced an early setback with wicketkeeper Phil Mustard dismissed for a duck in the first over. However, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell quickly stabilized the innings with a 73-run partnership, with Pietersen scoring a brisk 42 off 19 balls. Bell, along with Ravi Bopara, continued to punish the West Indies bowlers, building a formidable 118-run partnership. Bopara's impressive 53 runs included six fours and two sixes, while Bell narrowly missed a century, scoring 97 runs.

England finished their innings at 209-5 in 20 overs. For the West Indies, Samuel Badree, Jerome Taylor, Ashley Nurse, and Darren Sammy each took a wicket.