The West Indies cricket team, under the leadership of Rovman Powell, delivered an impressive performance to secure a 2-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series against England. Following their victory in the ODI series, the Caribbean team extended their dominance over Jos Buttler's side with a 10-run win in the second T20I at Grenada's National Cricket Stadium on December 14.
In this match, West Indies successfully defended a target of 176, showcasing their formidable prowess in the shortest format of the game. Despite not qualifying for the ODI World Cup earlier in the year, the two-time T20 World Cup champions are shaping up as strong contenders for the T20I World Cup scheduled for next June.
West Indies' batting strength was evident through Brandon King's remarkable 52-ball 82 and Powell's swift half-century. These crucial innings helped the team recover from a challenging position and set a competitive total. The spin bowling duo of Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie played key roles in bolstering the team's bowling attack, which had previously been a concern.
England, chasing a target of 177, experienced a setback with the early dismissal of captain Jos Buttler, continuing his recent run of poor form in white-ball cricket. This has been a worrying trend for England, especially with the T20 World Cup defense just months away.
Despite losing Buttler early, England's chase was fueled by aggressive batting from Philip Salt and Will Jacks. However, their efforts were undermined by Alzarri Joseph, who claimed two crucial wickets, leaving England struggling at 65 for 3.
Sam Curran, batting at number four, demonstrated his batting abilities with a quick 50 off 32 balls. Liam Livingstone's brief but impactful 17-run knock ended as he became Motie's first T20I victim. Moeen Ali's late cameo of 22 off 13 balls wasn't enough to steer England to victory.
Hosein's three-wicket haul, combined with Joseph's two wickets and Motie's economical spell, underscored a strong bowling performance by the West Indies. Motie, in particular, impressed with his tight line and length, conceding just nine runs in four overs.
The West Indies' innings was initially troubled, as they found themselves at 54 for 4. Early dismissals of key batters like Kyle Mayers, Nicolas Pooran, Shai Hope, and Shimron Hetmyer put them in a precarious situation. However, King's aggressive batting and his partnership with Powell, who scored a brisk 28-ball 50, revitalized the innings.
Powell praised the team's comeback from a challenging start, highlighting the resilience and depth of the West Indies batting lineup. Andre Russell, returning to the T20I side, contributed a quick 14 off 10 balls, adding to the team's total.
With the series moving to the third T20I in Grenada on December 16, England faces the challenge of securing a win to keep the series alive. The West Indies, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their winning momentum and seal the series.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Shubman Gill opting not to take DRS to overturn lbw decision infuriates Rahul Dravid, watch video
IND vs SA: Suryakumar Yadav hits fourth T20I century, enters Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell's league
