West Indies Secure Thrilling Record Run-Chase to End Series on a High

Highest successful chase in St Lucia by West Indies over England / Getty

The West Indies showcased resilience and explosive batting to achieve their second-highest successful run chase in T20I history, defeating England by 5 wickets in a high-scoring thriller at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium. Although the series was already lost, this morale-boosting victory gives the hosts something positive to carry into upcoming matches.

Salt and Bethell were the mainstays with hard-hitting fifties in 1st innings / Getty

After Rovman Powell won the toss and elected to bowl, England set a daunting target of 219, finishing at 218/5 in their 20 overs. England's top order fired on all cylinders, with half-centuries from Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell. Jos Buttler (38), Will Jacks (25), and Sam Curran (24) contributed vital runs. Gudakesh Motie was the standout bowler for the hosts, claiming 2/40, while Alzarri Joseph and Roston Chase picked up a wicket each.

In response, the West Indies openers launched a ferocious counterattack. Evin Lewis and Shai Hope laid the foundation with a scintillating 136-run partnership, both registering half-centuries. However, England struck back dramatically with three wickets in three balls, as Rehan Ahmed (3/43) and debutant John Turner (1/42) tried to stem the flow of runs.

Despite the wobble, the West Indies regained composure, with Sherfane Rutherford sealing the chase with an over to spare. This marked the second time the team successfully chased a target of over 200 in T20Is and their highest at home.

Records and Highlights:

• Highest Target Chased by West Indies in T20Is at Home:
• 219 vs England, St Lucia, 2024
• 191 vs India, Jamaica, 2017
• 175 vs South Africa, Tarouba, 2024

• Highest Targets Chased by West Indies in T20Is (Overall):
  • 232 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2015
  • 219 vs England, St Lucia, 2024
  • 193 vs India, Mumbai, 2016

Post-Match Reaction:

Shai Hope, awarded Player of the Match for his match-winning 63, acknowledged the team's efforts in adapting to challenging situations:

"We had to assess the conditions and understand the situation. Losing early wickets had been an issue in earlier games, so we focused on capitalizing on the powerplay. I enjoy my cricket and am happy to bat anywhere the team needs me. Maybe I need to talk to the trainer about why I keep getting run out!"

Shai Hope masterclass as he hit 23-ball half-century // Getty