All-round Moeen stars as England level Windies T20 series

BRIDGETOWN (AFP): Stand-in skipper Moeen Ali starred with bat and ball as England beat the West Indies by 34 runs in the fourth Twenty20 international in Bridgetown to set up a series decider on Sunday.

Moeen, leading England in place of the injured Eoin Morgan, struck seven sixes, including four in a row off Jason Holder, during a 63 made from just 28 balls as England posted a total of 193 for six on Saturday The off-spinner then took two for 28 runs during the West Indies’ 159 for five as England levelled the five-match series at 2-2 ahead of the teams’ return to the Kensington Oval.

England’s bowling in the latter stages of matches earlier in this series had proved expensive.

But with the West Indies needing 61 off the final four overs, Chris Jordan — recalled after England’s defeat on Wednesday — and Reece Topley held their nerve.

“I thought we were good in all areas,” said player of the match Moeen as he highlighted England’s bowling late on.

“That’s the thing we’re really proud about tonight, the ‘death bowling’ was fantastic,” Moeen said.

As for his own form, he added: “I got some momentum with my batting. I was happy to contribute for the team.” 

Brief scores England 193-6, 20 overs (Moeen Ali 63, Jason Roy 52; Jason Holder 3-44) West Indies 159-5 (Kyle Mayers 40, Jason Holder 36; Moeen Ali 2-28) Result: England won by 34 runs