Tourists trail 2-0 after a narrow 10-run defeat in Grenada.
The West Indies took a 2-0 lead in their T20 series against England following a tense 10-run victory in Grenada. England’s Sam Curran, looking to atone for conceding 30 runs in a single over to Rovman Powell, made an impressive comeback with the bat, scoring 50 runs, but it was not enough to overcome the hosts’ total of 176 for seven. Curran, promoted up the order to number four, ultimately fell after hitting four fours and three sixes, leaving England at 166 for seven.
The West Indies’ innings was propelled by Brandon King, who remained unbeaten on 82 and smashed five sixes. Powell’s blistering 50 off 28 balls provided crucial acceleration as the Windies hit 13 sixes overall. England’s Adil Rashid impressed with figures of 4-0-11-2, while Tymal Mills managed to contain the scoring at the death, but Rehan Ahmed proved expensive.
England’s batting effort saw moments of promise, with Curran defying his modest T20 average, but contributions from their established stars fell short at critical junctures. Alzarri Joseph took three wickets for 39, while Gudakesh Motie’s economical spell further stifled England’s chase.
Captain Jos Buttler, returning to Grenada where he famously made 150 four years ago, managed just five runs before falling to left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein. Meanwhile, Phil Salt and Will Jacks gave England a strong start but succumbed to Joseph’s bouncers. Motie’s tight overs and wickets of Livingstone and Brook compounded England’s difficulties, leaving them needing an improbable 67 runs off the final 30 balls.
Despite Curran’s heroics, a maiden T20 half-century, and some support from Moeen Ali, who returned to the squad, England fell short. The Windies, led by King and Powell’s fireworks, continue to dominate the series, leaving England needing wins in the remaining three matches to turn the series around.
