Brandon King and Rovman Powell orchestrated a power surge that England’s renowned white-ball hitters struggled to replicate, leading West Indies to a commanding 2-0 series lead with a victory in Grenada. The final 10-run margin of victory understates the emphatic nature of the win.
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Initially, it seemed improbable when West Indies found themselves reeling at 54 for 4 in the ninth over after a collapse of 4 for 11 in 16 balls. At that point, England’s spin duo of Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed had firm control over the match.
Brandon King and Rovman Powell
However, West Indies staged a remarkable comeback with Powell and King taking charge. Powell smashed 30 runs off Sam Curran’s over, while King’s unbeaten 82 from 52 included three sixes and four fours in the last 12 balls bowled by Rehan.
Defending a challenging but achievable 177, West Indies further tightened their grip with a spin stranglehold. Left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie combined to take 3 for 33 in eight consecutive overs from the Pavilion End. Despite Curran’s spirited 50 from 32 balls, England fell short with a requirement of 28 off the final over.
In the opening T20I, West Indies dominated with their aggressive batting, out-thumping England in sixes, winning by 14 to 6. The trend continued in this match, with 13 sixes played by West Indies compared to England’s eight.
During England’s bowling effort, they initially mitigated the six-hitting threat, with three of West Indies’ sixes coming in the powerplay. However, England also managed to bowl 18 dot balls in the powerplay, half of their allocation. Jos Buttler’s decision to bowl first, anticipating a hefty chase, didn’t align with the eventual target, and England found themselves second-best.
The bowling partnership of Rashid and Rehan posed a threat to West Indies’ top order. Rashid struck early, dismissing Nicholas Pooran, while Rehan removed in-form Shai Hope. Despite their five-over alliance resulting in West Indies being 68 for 4 after 11 overs, Powell and King’s aggressive batting changed the course of the match.
Powell’s onslaught, particularly against Curran, showcased West Indies’ dominance. Powell’s 27-ball fifty, including four sixes in an over, and King’s aggressive batting propelled West Indies to a formidable total.
In reply, England struggled against West Indies’ spin and pace combination. Left-arm spinners Hosein and Motie put up a stranglehold, taking crucial wickets, while Alzarri Joseph’s pace troubled England’s top order. Despite Curran’s maiden T20I fifty, England couldn’t recover, and West Indies secured a convincing victory.
The only real threat to West Indies came via an off-day with the ball for Andre Russell, who went wicketless for 66, including a 22-run second over. However, England’s lackluster approach and Joseph’s effective bowling ensured West Indies’ dominance throughout the match.
