In the second ODI of the three-match series between West Indies and England, played at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, the Caribbean side posted a competitive total of 308 runs in 47.4 overs, riding on a scintillating century from Keacy Carty and a fiery knock by captain Shai Hope. After losing the toss, West Indies were invited to bat first by England, who currently lead the series 1-0.
Carty Anchors, Hope Attacks
The innings began on a shaky note as Jewel Andrew fell early without troubling the scoreboard, caught by Will Jacks off Brydon Carse in the second over. However, Brandon King and Keacy Carty steadied the innings with a solid partnership of 141 runs, before King departed for a well-compiled 59 off 67 balls (10 fours), falling to Adil Rashid.
Carty then took charge and brought up his maiden ODI century, scoring a composed 103 off 105 balls with 13 boundaries. He showcased impeccable temperament, holding the innings together until he was stumped by Jos Buttler off Will Jacks in the 36th over.
Captain Shai Hope, known for his flair in the middle overs, played a captain’s knock, smashing 78 off just 66 balls at a strike rate of 118.18, including 4 sixes and 4 boundaries. His aggressive approach propelled the scoring rate during the latter half of the innings.
Middle and Lower-Order Collapse
Despite a solid foundation, West Indies suffered a mini-collapse in the death overs. From 258/4, they lost 6 wickets for just 50 runs, with batters like Shimron Hetmyer (4), Justin Greaves (22), and Matthew Forde (1) failing to convert starts.
Lower-order contributions from Gudakesh Motie (18 off 9) and Alzarri Joseph (10 off 3) helped push the total past the 300-mark. However, Adil Rashid struck at crucial junctures, finishing with 4 wickets for 63 runs in his 10 overs.
England’s Bowling Effort
Among England’s bowlers, Adil Rashid was the standout performer, consistently troubling the West Indian batters with flight and spin. Saqib Mahmood was effective in the latter overs, bagging 3 wickets for 50 runs, while Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Bowling Figures (England):
- Brydon Carse: 9-1-59-1
- Matthew Potts: 9-0-56-0
- Jacob Bethell: 6-0-49-1
- Adil Rashid: 10-0-63-4
- Will Jacks: 4-0-42-1
- Saqib Mahmood: 9.4-0-50-3
Fall of Wickets – A Quick Look:
- Jewel Andrew – 6/1 (1.5 overs)
- Brandon King – 147/2 (25.2)
- Keacy Carty – 205/3 (35.3)
- Shimron Hetmyer – 212/4 (36.6)
- Justin Greaves – 258/5 (43.3)
- Matthew Forde – 268/6 (44.2)
- Roston Chase – 268/7 (44.3)
- Gudakesh Motie – 294/8 (46.3)
- Alzarri Joseph – 304/9 (46.6)
- Shai Hope – 308/10 (47.4)
England will now chase a target of 309 runs to seal the series with one match to spare. With a deep batting lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ben Duckett, and Jos Buttler, the hosts will back themselves to hunt down the target. However, the West Indies bowlers, energized by a strong batting display, will look to level the series and take the fight to the decider.
