Sat Nov 02 13:10:00 UTC 2024: ## West Indies Dominate England in Rain-Affected ODI
**Antigua, Antigua:** The West Indies secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over England in a rain-affected first ODI on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. England’s inexperienced batting line-up crumbled under pressure, succumbing to a below-par 209 in 45.1 overs.
The visitors suffered a top-order collapse, losing key wickets early on. Gudakesh Motie led the charge for the West Indies, claiming a crucial four-wicket haul, including the prized scalp of stand-in England captain Liam Livingstone. Motie’s spin proved too much for the English batters, ending their hopes of a competitive total.
Evin Lewis then put on a scintillating display for the West Indies, smashing 94 runs off just 69 balls, including eight sixes and five fours. He and Brandon King, who contributed 30 runs, shared a blistering 81-run opening partnership. However, rain interrupted the chase, setting a revised target of 157 runs from 35 overs. Despite Lewis’ departure, Keacy Carty and Shai Hope steered the home team to victory with ease.
England captain Liam Livingstone acknowledged his team’s struggles, attributing the defeat to their inability to post a large score. “We know someone in the top six has to get a big total for us and unfortunately we didn’t do that today,” he stated.
West Indies skipper Shai Hope, meanwhile, praised his team’s discipline and consistency. “We were a lot more consistent and the discipline is the biggest factor for us,” he said. “We just have to be as patient and disciplined as we can.”
The second ODI will be played in Antigua on Saturday, with the series concluding in Barbados next Wednesday.
First Piper 