Livingstone's Heroics Lead England to Thrilling Win Over West Indies to Level Series
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| England leveled the ODI series, defeating West Indies by 5 wickets with 15 balls to spare. / Getty |
In an enthralling encounter, England emerged victorious by five wickets with 15 balls to spare, leveling the three-match ODI series 1-1 against the West Indies. Chasing a formidable target of 329, England’s skipper Liam Livingstone played an unforgettable knock, anchoring his team’s pursuit with an unbeaten 124 off just 85 balls, as England recovered from early setbacks to clinch the win.
After winning the toss, England opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off in the opening overs. John Andrew Turner delivered a stellar new-ball spell, removing both West Indies openers early to leave them reeling at 12/2. However, Keacy Carty and captain Shai Hope steadied the innings with a resilient partnership, building a 143-run stand for the third wicket. Carty’s 71 and Hope’s composed century of 117 off 127 balls shifted momentum back in the West Indies' favor. Late cameos, including Sherfane Rutherford’s brisk 54 off 36 balls, kept the scoreboard ticking, while Matthew Forde’s trio of sixes in the final over propelled the West Indies to a challenging 328/6.
Poetry in motion!👏🏾
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 2, 2024
Shai Hope brings up another classy century at North Sound against England!💯#TheRivalry | #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/drfEIiuGx1
In response, England's openers, Phil Salt and Will Jacks, started positively, laying a solid foundation. After Jacks departed, Salt continued his assault, notching a quick half-century before Forde struck again, dismissing him to reignite West Indies’ hopes. Jacob Bethell contributed a valuable 55 off 57, but it was the Livingstone-Curran partnership that turned the match on its head. Livingstone unleashed his full array of shots, building a 140-run stand with Sam Curran, who supported with a composed 52 off 52. Although Curran fell before the end, Livingstone remained undeterred, guiding England home with a match-winning century, his first in ODIs, sealing victory in emphatic style.
Liam Livingstone scored a remarkable unbeaten 124 runs off 85 balls.
Matthew Forde shone with the ball, taking 3/48, but the West Indies attack struggled overall, particularly Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie, who were taken apart by Livingstone’s brilliance.
The teams now head to the series decider, with England riding high on their thrilling comeback, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale.