Powell’s century fires West Indies back into a series lead

Rovman Powell’s remarkable 51-ball century helped power West Indies to a 20-run victory against England in Bridgetown, taking a 2-1 series lead in the process.

Brought into the batting lineup in place of Odean Smith, Powell repaid the faith of Head Coach Phil Simmons by thumping 10 sixes on the way to his maiden T20I century and posting a third-wicket partnership of 122 alongside Nicholas Pooran (70).

Powell’s intent was demonstrated from only the second delivery he faced when he slog-swept the returning Liam Livingstone for a maximum. Straight hitting was a constant theme of the 28-year-old’s innings, initially taking on the spin of Livingstone and stand-in skipper Moeen Ali, prior to dispatching overpitched bowling from the English seam attack.

Having seen Brandon King and Shai Hope fall cheaply for 10 and four respectively, the partnership between Pooran and Powell was vital in the West Indies registering a total of 224-5 with the former hitting all of his sixes against pace, prior to picking out Livingstone at long-on off the bowling of Adil Rashid.

From a bowling perspective, there was not much to inspire the tourists. Tymal Mills was expensive after coming back into the side, conceding 14 runs from the 20th over, as was Sussex teammate George Garton on debut.

Although Rashid’s quality and experience shone through with an economy of 6.25, Reece Topley impressed again on his return to international cricket.

Despite the chase being a daunting one, England began well with Tom Banton leading the charge alongside brief, but attacking, cameos from Jason Roy (19) and James Vince (16) leaving England at 79-2 from only eight overs.

Whilst Banton passed 50 for only the second time in T20I having faced just 29 deliveries, all momentum that had been generated was been quickly eradicated with Ali falling for a second-ball duck and Livingstone holing out to extra-cover for 11.

By the time Banton was eventually dismissed for 73, following more heavy blows to Kieron Pollard’s side, there appeared to be little chance of the Three Lions securing a win at 129-5. T20I debutant Phil Salt’s late assault provided Pollard with food for thought towards the closing stages of the innings.

With 36 runs needed from the final over, back-to-back sixes from Salt left those in the Kensington Oval crowd with the sense that something special may play out in front of them.

Ultimately, it was not to be for Salt and England as he fell to Shepherd for 52, an absence of support from fellow debutant Harry Brook (10) and Garton (2) proved costly. Nonetheless, Eoin Morgan will be encouraged by elements of the performance from afar.

The fourth match of the five-game series begins today at 8pm with the West Indies possessing a 2-1 lead.

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