Hope leads WI to T20I series win over England

AFP, Tarouba :
Shai Hope’s unbeaten 43 led West Indies (WI) to a four-wicket victory over England and secured a 3-2 Twenty20 International series win in a tense encounter.

England were bowled out for 132 in the decider and while West Indies never got into their rhythm, Hope held their reply together and then won the game with a powerful six over extra-cover off the second ball of the final over.

The win was the third straight T20 International series win for West Indies in 2023 as they prepare to host the World Cup for the shortest format in June.

It was a disappointing end to the mini-tour for Jos Buttler’s England side, who had also lost the 50-over series in the Caribbean 2-1.

The low-scoring contest was in marked contrast to Tuesday’s game where England scored a team-record 267 but with conditions helping the bowlers, West Indies were able to add to their T20I series wins over South Africa and India.

The surface at the Brian Lara Academy offered help to the spinners and slow left-armer Gudakesh Motie took full advantage, picking up three wickets for 24 runs in his four overs.

West Indies’ other left-arm orthodox spinner, Akeal Hosein, chipped in with two for 20 in his four overs as the home side restricted England to the lowest target set in the series.