Barbados: West Indies produced a dramatic comeback to beat England by 26 runs here Friday and level their five-match ODI series at 1-1.
The hosts, who ended a 10-match losing streak in ODIs against England, made 289 for six with left-hander Shimron Hetmyer (104 n o, 83b, 7×4, 4×6) playing a magnificent knock. Chris Gayle (50, 63b, 1×4, 4×6) also got into the six-hitting act during his half century.
The century was Hetmyer’s fourth in the format at international level and suggests he could be a player to watch in the World Cup later this year.
But having chased down 361 at the Kensington Oval, Wednesday, the visitors must have been confident of leveling the series. However, left-arm Sheldon Cottrell (5/46) derailed England’s attempt.
The tourists were given a strong platform as captain Eoin Morgan (70, 83b, 5×4, 3×6) and Ben Stokes (79, 85b, 7×4, 2×6) put on 99 runs for the fourth wicket. Another partnership of 69 runs for the fifth wicket between Stokes and Jos Buttler (34) seemed to have turned the tide in their favour.
Stokes fell with the score at 228 and England needing 62 to win from 61 balls, but then wickets fell in a heap with Windies skipper Jason Holder (3/53) and Cottrell doing maximum damage.
Holder was quick to praise his key men. “I am really pleased, credit to Hetty (Hetmeyr), he set it up on a sticky wicket, and credit for the way we defended it, led by Sheldon Cottrell,” he said.
Morgan felt his team should have done better. “A game is never won until right at the end. We thought 290 was well without our capabilities. We made mistakes and it hurt us, and West Indies deserved to win,” he said.
Brief scores: West Indies 289 for six (Shimron Hetmyer 104 n o, Chris Gayle 50) beat England 263 in 47.4 overs (Ben Stokes 79, Eoin Morgan 70, Sheldon Cottrell 5/46, Jason Holder 3/53) by 26 runs.
AFP