England edge past West Indies to clinch T20 series

Saturday, 16 November 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Liam Livingstone was dropped three times before taking England to a series-clinching three-wicket win over West Indies in the third T20.

Having been set 146 to win in St Lucia, Jos Buttler’s side slipped to 37-3 in the powerplay but Sam Curran batted fluently for his 41 from 26 balls to lead the recovery.

England were well placed when he departed but it was left to Livingstone – having been dropped twice by Nicholas Pooran on six and eight, then again by Shimron Hetmyer on 21 – to try and finish the job.

The big-hitting all-rounder took 16 from an Alzarri Joseph over to put the tourists on the brink and although he holed out with four needed, England got over the line with four balls to spare.

Victory gives them an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, with two matches left to be played. Saqib Mahmood and Jamie Overton had earlier taken three wickets apiece as England restricted West Indies to 145-8.

Mahmood took three wickets in the powerplay as the hosts slumped to 37-5 and despite a half-century from Captain Rovman Powell, they were ultimately unable to post a winning total.

England had nervy moments in the chase but did what was required of them and head into Saturday’s fourth T20 - also in St Lucia – with the series victory secured.