West Indies vs England 2019, 1st T20I: England cruise to a 4 wicket win in first T20I
England defeated West Indies by 4 wickets in the first match of T20I series played at Darren Sammy International Stadium, St. Lucia on Wednesday. Thanks to Nicolas Pooran's fifty, West Indies posted a respectable total of 160, but Jonny Bairstow's quick fire knock at the top helped them to chase down the target with ease.
England captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and decided to field first. West Indies got off to a disappointing start as they lost an early wicket of Shai Hope. Chris Gayle and Shimron Hetymer played some lovely strokes before Jordan got the important one of Gayle for 15, while Tom Curran dismissed Hetymer. At the end of 6 overs, West Indies were 43 for 3.
After the power play overs, Nicolas Pooran and Darren Bravo steadied the West Indies innings. Pooran took on England bowlers while Bravo took time to settle. Chris Jordan dismissed Darren Bravo to end their 64 runs stand for the 4th wicket. Carlos Braithwaite failed to open his account when he came in next. Pooran reached his fifty off just 32 balls, ut was dismissed for 58. Ashley Nurse and Jason Holder put some valuable runs as West Indies posted 160 for 8 in 50 overs.
Chasing the target of 161 runs to win, Alex Hales and Joe Root were dismissed cheaply. Jonny Bairstow looked in sensational form with great timing, putting pressure on the West Indies bowlers. At the end of 6 overs, England were 62 for 2. Jonny Bairstow reached his fifty off just 27 balls. Eoin Morgan was dismissed for 8 runs by Carlos Braithwaite. Jonny Bairstow and Eoin Morgan added 51 runs for the 3rd wicket.
Jonny Bairstow scored a quick fire 68 off 40 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes. The hard-hitting right-handed batsmen was dismissed by Ashley Nurse. Joe Denly and Sam Billings put on 40 runs for the 5th wicket. Jason Holder got the wicket of Joe Denly for a well made 30, then Sheldon Cottrell dismissed Sam Billings for 18. Tom Curran and David Willey completed the job as England won the first T20I by 4 wickets with 7 balls to spare.
Brief Scores:
England 161 for 6 in 18.5 overs ( Jonny Bairstow 68, Joe Denly 30, Sheldon Cottrell 3/29, Jason Holder 1/26) beat West Indies 160 for 8 in 20 overs ( Nicolas Pooran 58, Darren Bravo 28, Tom Curran 4/36, Chris Jordan 2/16) by 4 wickets.