England capped off a dominant white-ball campaign with a convincing 37-run win over West Indies in the third and final T20, completing a clean sweep of both the ODI and T20 series. Their total of 248 for three was not only their highest at home in T20 internationals but also a show of force that left the visitors outmatched from the outset.
Ben Duckett was the standout performer with the bat, smashing 84 off just 46 deliveries. He and Jamie Smith powered England to a rapid 120-run opening stand, reaching 135 by the 10-over mark. Smith, who began the series as a stand-in for Phil Salt, reinforced his growing credentials with a 26-ball 60, peppering the boundary with sixes and displaying composure beyond his experience.
Despite a minor slowdown in the middle overs, the run rate never truly dipped, with Harry Brook’s 35 not out off 22 and Jacob Bethell’s explosive 36 from just 16 balls pushing England well past the 240 mark. Bethell’s onslaught, including three consecutive sixes off Gudakesh Motie, ensured England’s innings ended on a high. Jos Buttler chipped in with a brisk cameo, while Sherfane Rutherford’s brief bowling stint offered some respite before he hobbled off injured.
West Indies were immediately on the back foot in their daunting chase. Johnson Charles fell early, and key wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, with spin and pace both proving effective. England’s bowlers maintained pressure through disciplined lines, with Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, and Bethell each striking in their opening overs.
Shai Hope offered a flicker of resistance with some inventive shot-making, including successive reverse-scoops off Brydon Carse, but his stay was cut short at 45. Captain Rovman Powell battled on bravely, finishing unbeaten on 79 off 45 deliveries with a flurry of late boundaries, but the target was always a bridge too far.
The West Indies exit the tour empty-handed, losing all six white-ball fixtures. The mood around the team was further dampened by the recent retirement of Nicholas Pooran from international cricket. The former captain, known for his explosive batting, has opted to focus solely on franchise commitments at just 29 years old highlighting the growing challenges faced by Caribbean cricket in retaining top talent.
For England, the series offered the perfect blend of explosive batting, sharp fielding, and effective bowling. The emergence of young talents like Smith and Bethell added depth to an already formidable side, while veterans like Duckett and Brook ensured stability and firepower. With this performance, England sent a strong message ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
