Cricket Highlights, November 16: England tour of West Indies (4th T20) – England vs West Indies

ENG vs WI (4th T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 4th T20I between ENG and WI, held at Gros Islet on November 16, 2024, as part of England’s tour of the Caribbean. The match featured high-scoring fireworks, with England setting a challenging target of 219 runs. However, the West Indies rose to the occasion with a stellar chase, clinching victory by five wickets with an over to spare. This encounter highlighted exceptional performances from both sides and demonstrated the unpredictable excitement of T20 cricket.

England showcased an explosive batting display in the 4th T20I, amassing a formidable total of 218/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings began with a fiery knock from opener Phil Salt, who smashed 55 off 35 balls, including five fours and four sixes, before falling to Roston Chase. He was well-supported by Will Jacks, who played a quick cameo of 25 off just 12 deliveries, striking at an impressive 208.33 before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph.

Captain Jos Buttler maintained the momentum with an aggressive 38 off 23 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes, but his innings was cut short by Gudakesh Motie. The star of the show was Jacob Bethell, who played a match-defining unbeaten knock of 62 off 32 balls. His powerful hitting, featuring four fours and five sixes, anchored England’s innings during the middle and death overs.

Sam Curran added a late flourish with 24 off 13 balls, including two towering sixes, ensuring ENG capitalized in the final overs. Despite occasional breakthroughs, the West Indies bowlers struggled to contain the English batters. Gudakesh Motie (2/40) and Alzarri Joseph (1/33) were the pick of the bowlers, but others, including Obed McCoy and Roston Chase, leaked runs under pressure.

England’s strong batting performance set a daunting target of 219 for the West Indies, paving the way for a thrilling second innings.

West Indies put on a batting masterclass to chase down England’s daunting target of 219, achieving a remarkable victory with six balls to spare. The innings was spearheaded by opener Evin Lewis, who dazzled with a blistering 68 off just 31 balls, smashing four fours and seven towering sixes. Partnering him was Shai Hope, who was equally aggressive, blasting 54 off 24 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. Their explosive 136-run opening partnership set the foundation for the chase.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 10th over when WI lost three quick wickets in succession, with Lewis, Hope, and Nicholas Pooran dismissed within three deliveries. Rehan Ahmed’s brilliant spell (3/43) triggered the collapse, putting England briefly in control. However, Captain Rovman Powell steadied the innings with a crucial 38 off 23 balls, keeping the chase alive despite the fall of Shimron Hetmyer for a modest 7.

Sherfane Rutherford then took charge in the death overs, playing a composed yet powerful knock of 29* off 17 balls, including three sixes. Supported by Roston Chase (9*), Rutherford guided West Indies over the finish line, showcasing their depth and composure under pressure.

England’s bowlers struggled against the West Indies’ relentless aggression, with Rehan Ahmed being the standout performer. Saqib Mahmood’s economical spell (0/24 in 4 overs) provided some respite, but the rest of the attack, including Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, leaked runs. West Indies’ fearless batting and efficient finishing sealed a thrilling five-wicket win in this high-stakes encounter.

England vs West Indies Scoreboard

England – 218/5 (20)

West Indies – 221/5(19/20)

Result – West Indies won by 5 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Shai Hope

ENG vs. WI Playing Eleven

England

Phil Salt(WK), Will Jacks, Jos Buttler(C), Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Saqib Mahmood, John Turner

West Indies

Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran(WK), Rovman Powell(C), Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.