In what had been a tough 2021 for England’s test team, England’s T20 team were looking to restore some pride in a five-match T20 series against the West Indies. With five matches slated in just over a week, this was a chance for both England and the West Indies to start their preparation ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In perhaps a sign of things to come, the five matches contested between these sides were of the highest quality. With numerous twists and turns the series ebbed and flowed between the two sides, with the West Indies winning the all-important final match. Here we provide a quick summary of what was one of the most enjoyable T20 series in some time.
Match 1 – Bridgetown – West Indies won by 9 wickets
West Indies got the five-match series off to the perfect start with a convincing nine-wicket win. Stars of the show were Jason Holder and Kieron Pollard, who took six wickets between them in restricting a sluggish England to just 103 runs. In reply Brandon King top scored with 52 runs, with the hosts reaching their target with three overs to spare.
Match 2- Bridgetown – England won by 1 run
In a sign of things to come, England won the second match of the series by just one run. Put in to bat first, England scored a competitive total of 171, with Jason Roy top-scoring for the visitors with a score of 45. England looked to have the match sewn up until the last over when Akeal Hosein smashed 26 runs to leave the West Indies to fall agonizingly just short by one run.
Match 3 – Bridgetown – West Indies won by 20 runs
The third match of the series was impacted by rain, but when it did eventually start, it was the West Indies who posted 224 runs, with Rovman Powell scoring a stunning 107 runs off just 53 balls – it was a superb knock that included ten 6s. In reply, England were restricted to 204, falling short by 20 runs. It was Romario Shepherd who did the damage with the ball taking three wickets which enabled the West Indies to take a 2-1 series lead.
Match 4 – Bridgetown – England won by 34 runs
In a match that England needed to win to keep the series alive, Jason Roy came out swinging scoring 52 off just 42 balls. Moen Ali chipped in with a vital 63 runs taking England to a competitive total of 193. England, through tight and controlled bowling, restricted the West Indies in their chase, Moen Ali once again proved what a great bowler he is, taking two wickets for the loss of just 28 runs setting up the all-important decider.
Match 5 – Bridgetown – West Indies won by 17 runs
In the deciding match of the series, it was the West Indies who batted first with Kieron Pollard top-scoring for the hosts, the captain scored 41 off just 25 balls, helping the West Indies post a total of 179. In response to the total, England worked their way into a position where they needed 20 from the final over. However, England’s hopes were dashed by a stunning spell of bowling, with Jason Holder achieving the rare feat of picking up four wickets in just four balls – wrapping up victory in style.
It was a fitting end to a series that will live long in the memory.
