Jordan, Billings lead England to record-breaking win

VIEW MATCH CENTRE

Chasing 183, West Indies crumbled in spectacular fashion – Jordan leading the way with extraordinary figures of 4/6 from just two overs, the best by an England bowler in T20I cricket. West Indies managed just to put just 45 runs on the board, the second-lowest total in T20Is, as England sealed the series with a 137-run victory.

Jordan’s excellence with the ball was preceded by a T20I-best of 87 from Sam Billings, as England put on a more-than-challenging total on the board.

The West Indies were never able to get going in their reply. David Willey began the onslaught of the top-order, removing Chris Gayle and then Shai Hope. Hope’s dismissal saw the ball fly high into the leg-side, and despite a collision between Tom Curran and Eoin Morgan – both ball-watching – England’s skipper brilliantly managed to hold on to complete the dismissal.

The introduction of Jordan followed, and he wreaked havoc. Displaying plenty of pace, the seamer sent Darren Bravo and Jason Holder back to the changing room for ducks, before his second over saw towards the removal of both Nicholas Pooran (1) and Fabian Allen (1). No one seemed to have an answer to Jordan’s ferocity, as outside-edges were drawn with ease.

After just five overs bowled in the innings, the game was virtually finished. Adil Rashid (2/12) and Liam Plunkett (2/8) wrapped the finishing touches to England's biggest win by runs in the format. West Indies' resistance lasted a total of 11.5 overs – a shocking display from the current holders of the T20 World Cup.

The demolition job with the ball followed on from a peculiar innings from England’s batsmen. A top-order collapse saw to England perilously positioned on 32/4. Sheldon Cottrell had the previous game’s Player-of-the-Match, Jonny Bairstow, out cheaply for 12, and Fabian Allen’s left-arm spin was wily, as he collected two wickets to himself.

Joe Root and Billings then set about to rebuild the innings, as England looked to avoid a tame collapse. Running hard between the wickets, with some delicate strokeplay to boot, the pair put on 82, with Root passing fifty in the format for the first time in nearly three years. While Root was run-out for 55, Billings accelerated in company with Willey.

After 18 overs, England looked stable on 138/5. It all looked even rosier as the innings concluded, with some big hits taking England to a threatening total of 182.

England would have been pleased with their return, and as Jordan unleashed himself upon the West Indies batting line-up, it proved more than enough.