England Clinches Series Sweep Against West Indies in ODI

England secured a comprehensive 3-0 series victory over the West Indies, triumphing in the final One Day International (ODI) at The Kia Oval on Tuesday with a seven-wicket win.

The match was initially delayed by 30 minutes due to substantial traffic congestion in London. Several England players resorted to using Lime bikes to reach the venue after the West Indies team bus encountered delays.

Play faced further interruption with a 90-minute rain delay, which shortened the game to 40 overs per side.

After being asked to bat, West Indies managed to score 251/9 in their 40 overs. England’s target was revised to 246 under the DLS method.

West Indies’ Innings

The West Indies suffered an early collapse, falling to 28-3. Evin Lewis (8), Brandon King (16), and captain Shai Hope (0) were dismissed within the initial seven overs.

A brief recovery was staged by Sherfane Rutherford, who scored 70 off 71 balls, and Keacy Carty (32), but a series of wickets saw the West Indies struggle at 154-7.

Rutherford’s innings concluded with a superb diving catch by England captain Harry Brook off Brydon Carse’s bowling.

Gudakesh Motie provided a late surge, smashing 63 off 53 balls, including three sixes, to establish a record-setting 91-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Alzarri Joseph, who scored 41 off 29.

This partnership marked the highest eighth-wicket stand for the West Indies against England in ODI history.

Adil Rashid was the standout bowler for England, claiming 3/40 in his eight overs, dismissing Carty, Justin Greaves, and Roston Chase during a crucial spell.

England’s Response

In their chase, England efficiently reached the target. Jamie Smith, in his second ODI, propelled England to 100 in just eight overs with a rapid 64 off 28 balls, including a half-century in 25 balls, equaling the fourth-fastest team century in men’s ODI history.

Smith and Ben Duckett (58) forged a 93-run opening partnership before Duckett was caught off Chase’s delivery.

Joe Root added a steady 44 off 48 balls before Shamar Joseph took an exceptional catch to end his innings.

Jos Buttler, with a score of 41 not out, and captain Harry Brook, 26 not out, wrapped up the game with a composed 46-run partnership, securing the victory in 29.4 overs. Buttler sealed the match with a six.

The T20I series between the two teams is scheduled to commence on Friday.