By Samuel Peters
Liam Livingstone executed a proper hitman job as he pummelled West Indies to help his side level the series 1-1. England emerged victorious after chasing down a target of 329 with five wickets to spare, thanks to his masterful unbeaten century of 124.
After West Indies posted a challenging 328 for six in their allotted 50 overs, England responded with 329 for five in 47.3 overs, with Livingstone’s magnificent 124 not out leading the way. His innings, featuring five fours and nine sixes, proved decisive in England’s successful run chase.
The West Indies’ innings was highlighted by a powerful 117 from Shai Hope, who dominated the bowling with eight fours and four sixes. He found excellent support from Keacy Carty, who contributed 71 runs, while Sherfane Rutherford added a quick-fire 54. The hosts maintained a healthy run rate of 6.56 throughout their innings.
Newcomer John Turner impressed on the day, picking up his first two scalps in international cricket while Adil Rashid collected the same number of wickets, though both proved expensive with Jofra Archer’s 1/40 from nine overs being the most economical spell.
In reply, England’s chase was well-constructed, with Phil Salt (59) and Barbados-born Jacob Bethell (55) providing crucial half-centuries alongside Livingstone’s century. Sam Curran’s important 52 helped maintain the momentum during the middle overs.
The West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain England’s batsmen, with only Matthew Forde impressing with figures of three for 48. Despite picking up regular wickets, they couldn’t prevent England from reaching their target with 2.3 overs to spare.
The victory highlighted England’s batting depth and chase management, while the West Indies will rue their inability to defend what appeared to be a competitive total, despite impressive batting performances from Hope, Carty and Rutherford. They will now get themselves ready for the series decider in Barbados on Wednesday.
