In a blistering batting display that had fans at The Ageas Bowl on their feet, England posted a mammoth 248/3 in 20 overs against West Indies in the third and final T20I of the series. With the hosts already leading 2-0, they came out swinging, clearly determined to whitewash the series in style.
Ben Duckett and debutant Jamie Smith were the stars of the innings, putting the West Indies bowlers to the sword with fearless strokeplay and relentless aggression. This match marks one of England’s highest-ever totals in T20 internationals.
Duckett and Smith Set the Tone
England’s innings got off to a flying start with Jamie Smith, the young wicketkeeper-batter, making an immediate impact. His 60 off just 26 balls included 4 fours and 5 towering sixes, propelling England past the 100-run mark within the first 9 overs.
Ben Duckett then took over, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 84 off 46 deliveries. His knock, laced with 10 fours and 2 sixes, showcased his composure and clean hitting in equal measure. The duo stitched together a solid 120-run opening partnership that laid the perfect foundation.
Late Surge from Brook and Bethell
After the dismissals of Smith, Buttler (22 off 10), and Duckett, England didn’t slow down. Captain Harry Brook (35* off 22) and Jacob Bethell (36* off 16) launched a final onslaught, smashing West Indian bowlers all around the ground in the death overs.
Bethell was particularly explosive, slamming 4 sixes and maintaining a strike rate of 225, ensuring England ended on a high.
West Indies’ Bowling in Tatters
West Indies’ decision to bowl first after winning the toss backfired spectacularly. Their bowling unit looked helpless against England’s sustained aggression. Alzarri Joseph endured a particularly tough day, conceding 60 runs in his 4 overs. Romario Shepherd (2-0-39-0) and Jason Holder (4-0-43-0) also struggled to contain the run flow.
Only Gudakesh Motie (1/44) and Sherfane Rutherford (1/20) managed to pick up wickets, but it came at a steep cost.
Fall of Wickets
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120/1 – Jamie Smith (8.5 overs)
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154/2 – Jos Buttler (12.0 overs)
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178/3 – Ben Duckett (14.5 overs)
Despite losing three wickets, England never let the scoring rate drop below 12 runs per over, finishing with a commanding total of 248.
With the series already in the bag and now a towering total on the board, England look poised to seal a 3-0 sweep. West Indies will need to produce something extraordinary with the bat to chase down what would be a record T20I target.
Can they mount a fightback, or is this just another chapter in England’s T20 dominance?
Stay tuned as the West Indies innings begins.
