NORTH SOUND: Evin Lewis hammered an electrifying 94, leading the West Indies to a commanding eight-wicket win over England in a rain-affected first ODI on Thursday.
Coming off a recent century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, Lewis continued his impressive form against a revamped England squad in the first match of a three-game series.
After England was bowled out for 209, the West Indies reached 81-0 in 15 overs when rain caused a significant delay at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
With a revised target of 157 in 35 overs, the 32-year-old Lewis launched a blistering attack on England’s bowlers, scoring his 94 off just 69 balls, including five boundaries and eight massive sixes. He dominated a 118-run opening partnership with Brandon King (30).
However, Lewis’s pursuit of a sixth ODI century was cut short when he was caught by Jacob Bethell off Adil Rashid with just 13 runs left to secure victory.
In the end, Keacy Carty (19) and captain Shai Hope (6) saw the West Indies home with 55 balls to spare.
Rashid took one wicket, conceding 50 runs from his seven overs.
This victory came only five days after the West Indies’ win over Sri Lanka, with 10 players from that lineup included in Thursday’s team.
Batting first, England, featuring four debutants—Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, and John Turner—were dismissed for 209 in the 46th over. Stand-in captain Liam Livingstone top-scored with 48 from 49 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, supported by Sam Curran’s 37 off 56 balls.
Gudakesh Motie starred with the ball for the West Indies, taking 4-41 from his 10 overs, while Jayden Seales picked up 2-22 from eight overs, dismissing openers Phil Salt (18) and Will Jacks (19).
The second ODI is scheduled at the same venue on Saturday, followed by the final game in Barbados next Wednesday. The two teams will also face off in a five-match T20 International series.
