England edged past the West Indies with a nail-biting three-wicket victory in the third T20I on Thursday, securing the series with two matches to spare. Chasing a modest target of 146, England reached the mark with four balls to spare, thanks to a gritty performance from their middle order and an exceptional bowling display by Saqib Mahmood.
Sam Curran spearheaded the chase with a crucial 41, building partnerships of 38 with Will Jacks (32) and 39 with Liam Livingstone (39). Livingstone, who benefited from three dropped catches on 6, 8, and 21, capitalized on the lapses to guide England closer to victory. Jamie Overton (4) and Rehan Ahmed (5) saw the team over the line in the final over.
Player of the Match Saqib Mahmood dismantled the West Indies’ top order, finishing with impressive figures of 3-17. Mahmood removed Evin Lewis (3) in the first over and later claimed Roston Chase (7) and Shimron Hetmyer (2), reducing the hosts to a precarious 39-5 by the end of the power play. “I feel freer in this series,” Mahmood remarked post-match. “It feels like my own place in the team, and I can express myself and take the brave options.”
West Indies captain Rovman Powell provided some resistance, scoring a valiant 54 as his side recovered to post 145-8. Powell and Romario Shepherd (24) put together a 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket, while Alzarri Joseph chipped in with an unbeaten 21.
England’s captain Jos Buttler had an advantage after winning the toss on a wet outfield, continuing a trend where toss winners dominated matches in the series. England’s disciplined bowling, led by Mahmood and Jofra Archer, exploited the West Indies’ reckless top-order batting. Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, and Lewis fell cheaply, leaving their team reeling at 17-3 within three overs.
Despite Powell’s efforts, the West Indies’ early collapse proved too much to overcome. England’s composed chase, combined with their fielding and bowling excellence, sealed the victory and the series.
The fourth and fifth matches of the series will take place in St. Lucia on Saturday and Sunday, giving the West Indies a chance to salvage some pride while England aims for a clean sweep.
