Livingstone’s Century Secures England’s Thrilling Series-Leveling Victory Against West Indies
(Reuters) – England captain Liam Livingstone delivered an extraordinary performance with the bat to lead England to a five-wicket victory over West Indies in Antigua on Saturday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Chasing an imposing target of 329, Livingstone’s remarkable unbeaten 124 off just 85 balls, including nine powerful sixes, drove England to a perfectly timed win with 15 balls to spare.
The West Indies had set a formidable total after a late surge in their innings, scoring 93 runs in the last 10 overs. This onslaught featured a masterful 117 from captain Shai Hope, who anchored the innings following early wickets. Hope’s contribution was supported by Keacy Carty’s 71 in a partnership worth 143 runs, stabilizing the hosts after a shaky start where openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis fell cheaply to John Turner.
England’s bowlers struggled to maintain control as Hope capitalized on chances, notably after being dropped at 60. Sherfane Rutherford added momentum with a brisk half-century from just 36 balls, while Shimron Hetmyer’s quickfire 24 came off just 11 deliveries. Matthew Forde’s explosive hitting in the 50th over, including three sixes, pushed West Indies to a competitive total of 328.
In response, England’s chase faced early setbacks. Opener Will Jacks fell for 12, caught by Lewis off Forde at deep square leg. Jordan Cox looked unsettled at the crease and was dismissed by a short-pitched delivery from Shamar Joseph. However, Phil Salt injected much-needed stability, scoring 59 runs off 59 balls, before becoming Forde’s second wicket. Jacob Bethell contributed 55 runs, supporting Livingstone in laying a foundation for the chase.
At 160-4 after 28 overs, England’s task looked daunting. However, Livingstone’s dynamic batting turned the game around. He partnered effectively with Sam Curran, who added a crucial 52 runs off 52 deliveries. Together, they managed to bring England within striking distance, needing 100 runs from the last 10 overs.
Livingstone’s aggression, characterized by a series of towering sixes, particularly punished the West Indies’ erratic bowling. His landmark century, the first of his ODI career, shifted the momentum decisively. The highlight came in the 47th over when Livingstone hammered 22 runs off Shamar Joseph, effectively sealing the win.
Reflecting on the match, Livingstone commended the team effort and emphasized the significance of Salt’s performance. “We needed someone in the top six to score big, and Salty batted beautifully, putting pressure on them,” Livingstone said. He acknowledged that England’s fielding had been subpar, but praised the bowlers for taking wickets at key moments. “This experience is invaluable for our young players,” he added, looking ahead to the final match in Barbados.
West Indies captain Shai Hope admitted his disappointment, despite his own superb century. “I thought we posted a decent score given the conditions, with a heavy outfield and an uneven pitch,” he said. However, he lamented the team’s failure to execute their defensive plans, stating, “We allowed them too many easy scoring opportunities, and at this level, teams will capitalize.”
Ultimately, while the West Indies’ strong batting laid a competitive platform, Livingstone’s explosive innings, supported by contributions from Curran and Salt, proved decisive. The victory not only leveled the series but also showcased England’s resilience and depth, setting the stage for an intriguing finale in Barbados.
