Caribbean delight as West Indies clinch England T20I series in style
It was the third T20I series the Caribbean side have won on the trot following recent successes in 2023 against South Africa and India and holds them in good stead less than six months out from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 that they will co-host with the USA.
The five-match series had its fair share of highlights and plenty of ups and downs and Thursday's contest was a low-scoring affair that saw the West Indies chase down England's total of 132 with just four balls remaining to ensure a 3-2 series result.
West Indies win a final over thriller in the fifth T20I and seal a 3-2 series victory against England 🙌
— ICC (@ICC) December 21, 2023
📝 #WIvENG | https://t.co/zuMIhAMXzv pic.twitter.com/ffkGLoEj7v
It was Shai Hope's unbeaten 43* that sealed the win for the hosts, with the powerful right-hander lofting England's Chris Woakes over point and into the stands to clinch the thrilling victory.
Hope's experience was vital during the chase as England picked up wickets at regular intervals to keep the pressure on the home side and it looked like the reigning T20 World Cup champions were a chance when Sam Curran removed the dangerous Andre Russell with the penultimate delivery of the 19th over.
But Jason Holder (4*) and Hope held their nerve to ensure the vocal home crowd left the Brian Lara Cricket Academy venue with smiles on their faces.
West Indies Spinner Gudakesh Motie was adjudged Player of the Match for his three wickets during England's innings, while opener Phil Salt won the Player of the Series award for his two centuries and 331 runs for the tourists.