Morgan ton sets up England win

A 10th One-Day International century from Eoin Morgan helped England defeat West Indies by 45 runs in the opening game of the three-match series in Antigua on Friday (March 3).

Continuing his excellent form of late, the England captain timed his 107 to perfection to guide the visiting side to a competitive 296 for 6 after it was put in to bat on a rain-interrupted morning at North Sound. Morgan faced 116 balls and hit 11 fours and two sixes.

Liam Plunkett and Chris Woakes then claimed four wickets apiece to halt West Indies' charge.

West Indies was bowled out for 251 in the 48th over despite half-centuries from Jason Mohammed (72 in 91) and Jonathan Carter (52 in 47). Plunkett grabbed the final wicket to finish with career-best ODI figures of 4 for 40 while Woakes, who did the early damage, picked up 4 for 47.

Shannon Gabriel (2 for 58) removed Jason Roy (13) and Joe Root (4) in successive overs before Morgan steadied the innings.

Sam Billings chipped in with 52 at the top of the order in 56 balls, but Ashley Nurse (2 for 47) dismissed him and then Jos Buttler to put England on the back foot once more.

Ben Stokes strode out to the middle and lived up to his box-office billing, slamming 55 off 61 deliveries with three sixes to power the side with a 110-run fifth-wicket partnership.

Morgan then brought up his century in style, hoisting Carlos Brathwaite for a huge six over midwicket in the 48th over before the bowler ran him out in the final over of the innings.

West Indies slipped to 39 for 3 in response before Mohammed forged successive half-century partnerships with Shai Hope and Carter to keep the side in the hunt heading into the final ten overs.

However, England’s perseverance paid off and the result was a mere formality after Mohammed was run out for 72 in the 42nd over.