Hope leads West Indies to T20 series win over England
Shai Hope's unbeaten 43 led West Indies to a four wicket victory over England and secured a 3-2 T20 series win in a tense encounter. England were bowled out for 132 in the decider and while West Indies never got into their rhythm, Hope held their reply together and then won the game with a powerful six over extra-cover off the second ball of the final over. The win is the third straight T20 international series win for West Indies in 2023 as they prepare to host the World Cup for the shortest format in June. It was a disappointing end to the mini-tour for Jos Buttler's England side, who had also lost the 50-over series in the Caribbean 2-1. The low-scoring contest was in marked contrast to Tuesday's game where England scored a team-record 267 but with conditions helping the bowlers, West Indies were able to add to their T20i series wins over South Africa and India. West Indies' left-arm orthodox spinner, Akeal Hosein, chipped in with two for 20 in his four overs as the home side restricted England to the lowest target set in the series. England skipper Buttler was removed for 11 when he stepped outside the off-stump and tried to turn seamer Jason Holder down the leg-side but was caught by Oshane Thomas. Hosein then bowled Jacks before a beautiful delivery before Motie got significant turn as he claimed the prize wicket of Phil Salt (38). England were bowled out with three balls remaining of their 20 overs when Sam Curran was caught by Sherfane Rutherford off Holder. The home side's reply got off to a flying start with 20 off the first two overs before Brandon King was removed by Topley and when Woakes bowled Nichola Pooran there was hope for England. But Sherfane Rutherford (30) put on a 41 run partnership with Hope that stabilised the innings only for England to apply some late pressure after Rashid removed Rutherford and then Powell was dismissed by Topley in the 17th over. Left-arm seamer Sam Curran delivered an excellent penultimate over, removing Andre Russell and conceding just two runs to leave West Indies needing nine off the final over. (AFP)