In the Eng vs WI first ODI at Edgbaston, England staged a masterclass show to record a big 238-run win over West Indies, taking an early series lead. A dominating performance with both bat and ball ensured the home side never allowed the visitors to settle into the contest.
England Post 400/8 through All-Round Batting Show
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Choosing to bat first after being inserted, England got off to a blazing start. Ben Duckett established the tone with a boundary in the opening over, and Jamie Smith took advantage of an early let-off to drive the score rapidly. The top two added 64 in merely seven overs.
Once Smith fell, Duckett and Joe Root carried on the momentum, scoring 73 for the second wicket. Duckett fell after a fluent 60, but Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell made life uncomfortable for the West Indies bowlers. Brook released a series of boundaries in the middle overs, while Bethell produced a brutal cameo, hitting 82 off 45 balls.
Late fireworks by Will Jacks and Bethell in the eath overs took England to a record 400/8 in 50 overs. A four-wicket haul by Jayden Seales (4/84) was all that the West Indies bowling attack could muster in response to England’s aggressive approach.
Eng vs WI: West Indies Collapse for 162 in Disastrous Chase
In response, the West Indies’ nightmare began. Saqib Mahmood opened the proceedings with two wickets, getting rid of the openers within the first four overs. The visitors were then reeling at 66/4 after 12 overs, Saqib accounting for the crucial wickets of Keacy Carty and Shai Hope, who scored a top score of 25.
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Jamie Overton then ravaged the middle order to finish with impressive returns of 3/22. West Indies had no sort of momentum and continued losing wickets in bunches. At 124/9, the game was as good as over, though there was some late resistance from Jayden Seales (29)* and Gudakesh Moite, who put on a swift 38-run partnership for the remaining wicket.
In the end, the West Indies were bowled out for 162 in only 26.2 overs, giving England one of their largest-ever victories in ODIs.
Key Highlights – England vs West Indies 1st ODI
England 400/8 (50 overs): Jacob Bethell 82, Ben Duckett 60; Jayden Seales 4/84
West Indies 162 (26.2 overs): Jayden Seales 29*, Shai Hope 25; Jamie Overton 3/22, Saqib Mahmood 3/32
Result: England won by 238 runs
England Gains Upper Hand in Eng vs WI ODI Series
With this thumping victory in the England vs WI ODI series opener, England have set the tone for the remainder of the tournament. Their explosive batting performance and disciplined bowling attack have left West Indies with plenty to think about before the second ODI. If this is the trend that continues, England will be the clear favorites to win the series with ease.
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