England defeated the West Indies in the second ODI, which was being played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on November 2. Liam Livingstone's maiden ODI century secured a series-leveling victory for the visitors. Playing a captain's knock, Livingstone choreographed England's chase of 329—the second-highest in ODI cricket history on Caribbean soil.
After losing the first ODI by eight wickets on October 31, England was a little under pressure going into the game. However, England turned things around and kept the series alive till the last game, which is set for Wednesday in Barbados, thanks to a strong batting effort led by their acting skipper Livingstone. Shai Hope's West Indies century was a failure.
Liam Livingstone on his ton
The stand-in captain said his efforts over the past several months had begun to pay off, and he was overjoyed when his first ODI hundred came in a winning cause.
"Certain things I have done in practice and at the end of the season in England felt like I have been getting back to my best. Maturing and I'm enjoying my cricket and if I'm enjoying my cricket, I play well. Pretty proud day," he said.
Highest successful ODI chases in West Indies
- England - 364 for 4 vs West Indies in Bridgetown in 2019
- England - 329 for 5 vs West Indies in North Sound in 2024*
- West Indies - 326 for 6 vs England in North Sound in 2023
- Sri Lanka - 313 for 6 vs West Indies in Bridgetown in 2003
- India - 312 for 8 vs West Indies in Port of Spain in 2022
In the latter half of the innings, Livingstone showed incredible acceleration. He demonstrated his ability to score runs fast and under pressure when he converted a 60-ball fifty into a 77-ball century. Livingstone scored 124 from 85 balls with five boundaries and nine sixes. In the end, England won the match by five wickets after surpassing the West Indies' total with 15 balls remaining.
Livingstone's innings was bolstered by a number of important partnerships. Jacob Bethell hit his first ODI fifty with 55 runs, while Phil Salt started the chase with 59 runs. But the collaboration between Livingstone and Sam Curran turned out to be crucial. Curran scored 52 runs off 52 balls as the pair accumulated 140 runs from 107 balls. Livingstone's spectacular finish was made possible by their combination, which took the early strain.
The West Indies, who batted first earlier in the day, amassed a commanding 328-6 in their 50 overs. With 117 runs and his 17th ODI century, Shai Hope was the most impressive player for the home team. Keacy Carty (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54), who made more noteworthy contributions, ultimately proved insufficient.
