Brandon King’s unbeaten 82 propels the West Indies to a 2-0 series lead
The West Indies secured a 10-run victory over England in the second T20, seizing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, fueled by Brandon King’s outstanding unbeaten 82. King’s resilient performance included an 80-run partnership with Captain Rovman Powell, rescuing the hosts from a precarious position at 54-4.
Despite Sam Curran’s challenging 16th over that cost 30 runs, including four sixes and dismissing Powell, King sustained the momentum. Rehan Ahmed faced the brunt of King’s onslaught in the next over, conceding 18 runs. The West Indies concluded their innings at 176-7.
England faced an uphill battle in the chase as Captain Jos Buttler fell early in the third over. Akeal Hosein dismissed Buttler, setting the tone for England’s struggle to keep up with the required run rate. While Sam Curran provided resistance with his maiden T20 international fifty, Alzarri Joseph’s three-wicket haul left England with a daunting task.
The teams remain in Grenada for the third T20 on Saturday. England’s decision to bowl initially seemed justified, as they capitalised on the hosts losing wickets in quick succession. Adil Rashid’s leg spin proved effective, securing two wickets, while Chris Woakes dismissed Kyle Mayers.
Despite Rashid’s excellent spell of 2-11, the West Indies accelerated after the 15th over, with King and Powell smashing the next 12 balls for 48 runs. Powell reached fifty before departing, and Tymal Mills took two late wickets, but the West Indies had already set a formidable total.
While the West Indies displayed an aggressive batting approach with 27 boundaries, including 14 sixes, England struggled to replicate their style. Liam Livingstone’s aggressive 17 and Curran’s fifty provided glimpses of resistance, but slow left-armer Gudakesh Motie’s economical four-over spell added to England’s woes.
With England now needing to win three consecutive matches to clinch the series, the task appears challenging considering the current form of both sides.
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