Fri Nov 15 11:18:33 IST 2024: ## England Cruise to Series Win, West Indies Drop Catches in Third T20
**St. Lucia, West Indies:** England secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series against the West Indies, winning the third match by three wickets despite a sloppy fielding performance.
The hosts, struggling to contain England’s batting prowess, missed several crucial catches that proved costly in the chase. The West Indies set a target of 145, a score that England comfortably achieved with seven balls to spare.
The star of the match was England’s Saqib Mahmood, who was awarded Player of the Match for his superb bowling performance. Mahmood picked up wickets early, putting pressure on the West Indies from the outset.
Livingstone, in particular, punished the West Indies’ dropped catches, smashing 39 runs off just 17 balls, including a crucial 18 runs in the 18th over to turn the tide in England’s favor.
West Indies Captain Rovman Powell expressed his disappointment, citing dropped catches and the team’s inability to secure wickets during the powerplay as key factors in their loss. He acknowledged England’s world-class quality and praised Saqib Mahmood’s performance. However, Powell remained optimistic, emphasizing the team’s hunger for a 5-0 sweep in the series.
Despite the defeat, the West Indies showed glimpses of fighting spirit. Powell himself scored a half-century, demonstrating his ability to lead the team from the front.
The series continues on Wednesday with the fourth T20 match, offering the West Indies an opportunity to salvage some pride before the final clash.
First Piper 