In a high-stakes ODI series decider, England’s captain Liam Livingstone pulled off an unforgettable chase, showcasing a dazzling unbeaten 124 from just 85 balls, which outshone West Indies captain Shai Hope’s resilient 117. This thrilling five-wicket victory allowed England to level the series at 1-1 and proved to be a career milestone for Livingstone, marking his maiden century in the 50-over format.
England’s Chase and Livingstone’s Masterclass
The 329-run target set by the West Indies appeared formidable, especially after England’s early struggles with only notable contributions from Phil Salt (59) and Jacob Bethell (55). However, the pairing of Livingstone and Sam Curran (52) turned the tide, putting together a crucial 140-run partnership off 107 balls. Livingstone’s fireworks came alive in the final 10 overs, where he transformed his measured 46 off 57 balls into a blazing 124*, with 78 off his last 28 deliveries. His devastating stroke play in these final overs included nine sixes and a flurry of boundaries that decimated the West Indies bowling attack.
Livingstone’s knock wasn’t just about explosive batting; it was about leadership and grit. He built his innings smartly, waiting for the right moment before launching an all-out attack. In a particularly punishing stretch, he took left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie for 30 runs across two overs and hammered Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph for an onslaught of sixes, leaving the bowlers helpless.
The West Indies Innings: Hope and Co. Build a Stiff Target
Earlier in the day, West Indies opted for a solid build-up, anchored by their captain Shai Hope. His 117 off 118 balls was classic Hope — patient yet punctuated with bursts of aggression. Coming in after both openers departed early, Hope anchored the innings, supported by a fluent 71 from Keacy Carty and a quickfire 54 from Sherfane Rutherford. The team effort allowed West Indies to post 328 for 6, a challenging total for the visitors.
Hope played anchor for most of the innings, especially when Carty joined him to add 143 runs for the third wicket. Carty’s contribution was invaluable, showing composure and resilience, while Rutherford’s brisk 54 from just 35 balls helped lift the scoring rate during the final 10 overs. Shimron Hetmyer and Matthew Forde provided vital cameos, allowing the hosts to add 93 runs in the closing overs, setting England a daunting target.
Fielding Missteps, But England Bounces Back
While England’s bowlers struggled, their fielding lapses almost compounded their troubles. Dropped catches cost them early breakthroughs, giving the West Indies batters second chances that led to higher scores. Despite this, England managed to pull things together. Archer and Rashid provided breakthroughs, helping stem the run flow in the middle overs. Turner, making his ODI debut, struck early by removing Evin Lewis, and Rashid chipped in with Carty’s wicket at a critical juncture.
The Road Ahead
With the series squared, this victory highlights England’s depth and resilience. Livingstone’s captain’s knock will undoubtedly be a defining moment in his career, showcasing his ability to anchor an innings and take charge when the stakes are high. For the West Indies, Hope’s anchoring role has been invaluable, and the side will look to capitalize on his form in future matches.
As both teams prepare for the final ODI, fans can expect another thrilling contest. With Livingstone in top form, England’s prospects look promising, while the West Indies will be eager to regroup and return stronger to defend their home turf.