Evin Lewis’s scintillating 94-run knock propelled West Indies to a resounding eight-wicket victory over England in the rain-affected opening ODI of the three-match series in Antigua.
Chasing a revised target of 157 from 35 overs, Lewis unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smashing five fours and eight towering sixes in his 69-ball innings. He forged a crucial 118-run partnership with Brandon King (30) to lay the foundation for the West Indies’ triumph.
Lewis’s pursuit of his sixth ODI century was halted by Jacob Bethell, who caught him off Adil Rashid’s bowling with just 13 runs needed for victory. However, Keacy Carty (19) and captain Shai Hope (6) guided the West Indies home with 55 balls to spare.
England, fielding four ODI debutants, were dismissed for 209 runs in 49.4 overs. Stand-in captain Liam Livingstone top-scored with 48, while Sam Curran contributed 37.
Gudakesh Motie was the star of the West Indies bowling attack, claiming 4 for 41, while Jayden Seales took 2 for 22.
The victory gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second match scheduled for Saturday at the same venue.
