The West Indies had it easy in the first T20I of the five-match series against England as they romped to a nine-wicket win at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Saturday.
England were all out for a pathetic score of 103 in 19.4 overs with Jason Holder returning career-best figures of 4/76. Holder and Sheldon Cottrell (2/30) ripped through the visitors’ top order on a bouncy wicket, reducing them to 49/7 at one stage before a late partnership between Chris Jordan (28) and Adil Rashid (22) helped them past the 100-mark.
The hosts knocked off the runs with ease as Brandon King (52 not out) struck a fluent half-century and finished the job with Nicholas Pooran (27 not out) in 17.1 overs. England’s only success came through Rashid, who removed Shai Hope (20).
“The (conditions) were actually opposite to the wicket that we played on two or three days ago,” said England captain Eoin Morgan.
“We lost early wickets, we didn’t seem to adapt well enough in running, which is what you have to do when challenged like that with movement and a bit of bounce.”
Kieron Pollard, the Caribbean skipper, was happy with the performance of his team.
“That’s the blueprint we ask guys to put up. To come out and win a match isn’t easy, to see the young guys come out and finish it off was fantastic.”
“Sheldon coming back in, Jason showed his quality. These two bowlers were phenomenal. Sometimes when you get four wickets, early guys can relax, but they know the importance of sticking to plans.”
Brief scores: England 103 in 19.4 overs (Chris Jordan 28; Jason Holder 4/7). West Indies 104/1 in 17.1 ovs (Brabdon King 52 n. o.). West Indies won by 9 wkts.
(Written with agency inputs)