In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the West Indies triumphed over England to claim the ODI series, powered by a record-breaking century from Keacy Carty.
The batter, hailing from the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten, became the first player from his homeland to score an international century, as he led the West Indies to an emphatic eight-wicket victory at Barbados’ iconic Kensington Oval.
Carty’s unbeaten 128 from 114 balls anchored the West Indies’ chase, as they confidently reached England’s total of 263/8 with seven overs to spare. This milestone marked Carty’s 50th appearance for the West Indies, and his performance was marked by sheer precision, featuring 15 boundaries and two towering sixes that left England’s bowlers with few answers.
Opening batsman Brandon King also played a pivotal role, scoring a steady 102, which paired perfectly with Carty’s aggression. The two batters forged a formidable 209-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively dismantling England’s defenses and setting the West Indies on course to seal the three-match series 2-1. King’s disciplined innings earned him the Player of the Match award, as his foundational role at the top of the order was instrumental to the team’s success.
Earlier in the match, the West Indies’ bowling attack set the tone, with pacer Matthew Forde striking early to remove England’s Will Jacks in just his second over. England found themselves struggling at 24/4, but resilient efforts from Dan Mousley (57), Sam Curran (40), and Jofra Archer (38*) provided some stability. Late hitting from the tail helped England achieve a competitive score, but it proved insufficient against the West Indies’ determined response.
Forde, who finished with figures of 3/46, was later named Player of the Series for his impressive performance across all three matches, having taken eight wickets in total. His early strikes in this final game were instrumental in putting England on the back foot and giving the West Indies a strong start.
Carty’s historic knock not only secured victory but also marked a proud moment for the island of Sint Maarten, adding a new chapter to the legacy of West Indies cricket. Meanwhile, in-form skipper Shai Hope came in briefly at the end to support Carty and seal the game with composure, finishing unbeaten on 5.
The series win and Carty’s remarkable century highlighted the West Indies’ renewed strength and resilience, showcasing a team eager to make its mark on the international stage. The victory in Barbados signals a promising trajectory for West Indies cricket, as fans eagerly await future performances from these rising stars.
