England Clinches Thrilling 5-Wicket Victory Over West Indies in High-Scoring Second ODI

Bridgetown, Barbados - England claimed a thrilling victory over the West Indies, chasing down a formidable target of 329 with 15 balls to spare, winning by five wickets in the second ODI of their tour of the Caribbean. In a high-scoring, action-packed encounter at the Kensington Oval, both teams delivered memorable performances, but it was England’s steady and powerful response that sealed the day in their favor.

West Indies Set the Stage with 328

Opting to bat first, the West Indies took full advantage of their home conditions and posted an imposing 328-6 in their allotted 50 overs. The top order came out with aggressive intent, with opener Shai Hope setting the tone early on with a well-crafted 84 off 93 balls. He was supported by a dynamic middle-order performance, particularly from Nicholas Pooran, who smashed a quickfire 76 from 52 deliveries. His innings featured five boundaries and three towering sixes, bringing the crowd to its feet and providing much-needed momentum.

Captain Rovman Powell added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 56 off just 30 balls, displaying the firepower for which he’s known. The England bowlers faced a tough time on the flat pitch, with only Adil Rashid managing to curb the West Indies’ onslaught with his tidy spell, taking 2 wickets for 56 runs in his 10 overs.

While England’s pacers struggled for control in the early overs, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran provided breakthroughs at critical junctures, helping to prevent the West Indies from posting an even larger total. Still, a score of 328 was always going to be challenging, and the West Indies walked off with confidence, believing they had enough to secure the win.

England’s Chase: A Mix of Patience and Power

Chasing 329 under pressure, England’s openers began cautiously, keenly aware of the task at hand. Dawid Malan and Phil Salt laid a steady foundation, with Malan particularly effective at rotating the strike and finding gaps. He scored 62 off 70 balls before falling to Akeal Hosein’s spin, ending a valuable 110-run opening partnership that kept England on course.

With the platform set, captain Jos Buttler came in and immediately stamped his authority on the game. Known for his explosive hitting and calm demeanor under pressure, Buttler struck a rapid 79 from just 54 deliveries, unleashing seven fours and four sixes to electrify England’s chase. Buttler’s partnership with Ben Stokes was critical in steering England closer to the target as they kept up with the required run rate.

Stokes, returning to form after a few low scores, played a calculated innings of 55 off 47 balls, showcasing both aggression and composure. He masterfully picked the gaps and ran hard between the wickets, anchoring the innings alongside Buttler. Their 98-run partnership pushed England past the 250-mark, bringing the required run rate within reach as the chase entered its final stages.

Moeen Ali's Finishing Touch

Despite losing Buttler and Stokes in quick succession, Moeen Ali ensured there were no late dramas. Ali came in with 50 runs needed off the last eight overs and promptly took charge, blasting his way to an unbeaten 35 off 20 balls. His fearless approach saw him clear the boundary twice, and he added crucial runs with support from Sam Curran. Ali’s calm, composed finishing sealed the match for England with 15 balls to spare, taking them to 329-5 in 47.3 overs.

West Indies’ Bowling Struggles

The West Indies bowlers were put to the test as England’s batsmen unleashed a calculated assault. Despite Hosein’s economical spell and his two wickets, the rest of the bowling lineup struggled to contain England's aggressive stroke play. Alzarri Joseph picked up two wickets, but he proved expensive, conceding over seven runs an over. Powell rotated his bowlers to find a breakthrough, but England’s batsmen were relentless, steadily chipping away at the target without losing control of the game.

Captain Jos Buttler Reflects on the Victory

After the match, Jos Buttler praised his team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. “Chasing 328 is never easy, especially against a team as strong as the West Indies. But we stayed calm, built partnerships, and took calculated risks when needed. It’s a testament to our depth and our confidence in each other,” Buttler said.

Buttler also praised the performances of Malan, Stokes, and Moeen Ali, who each played critical roles in ensuring England stayed on track throughout the chase. “Every player stepped up, and it’s that kind of teamwork that wins matches,” he added.

Series Decider Awaits

With the series now level at 1-1, all eyes will be on the third ODI, set to be played at the same venue. Both teams have shown their strengths, and it promises to be a thrilling decider. The West Indies will look to regroup and tighten up their bowling, while England will be buoyed by this successful chase and aim to build on their momentum to clinch the series.

This match was a true spectacle, highlighting the explosive power of both teams and setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the final ODI.