In an exciting T20 match at the Kensington Oval on Tuesday, England faced a four-wicket defeat against the West Indies. The visitors, off to an explosive start, reached 77-0 at the end of the PowerPlay and 112-2 after 10 overs. However, England's fortunes took a downturn as they collapsed, eventually being all out for 171 in the 20th over. Andre Russell's stellar performance, claiming 3-19 in his first T20I in two years, led a remarkable West Indies resurgence.

The West Indies, in their run chase, encountered challenges, including a short rain break and setbacks that saw them slipping from 101-4 to 123-6. Captain Rovman Powell's powerful hitting, with an unbeaten 31 from 15 balls, turned the tide in favor of the home team. Russell, not out with 29 from 14 balls, joined Powell in steering the West Indies to victory with 11 balls to spare, marking the highest successful T20 run chase at Kensington Oval. Russell, at 35, was rightly awarded Player of the Match.

Phil Salt and captain Jos Buttler gave England a promising start, reaching 50 in 4.5 overs. However, Russell's breakthrough in the 7th over, dismissing Salt, revealed the effectiveness of the slower ball on the pitch. England's batting struggled, slumping from 117-2 to 129-5, with Russell taking crucial wickets. Liam Livingstone's resistance (27) and Sam Curran's brief contribution couldn't prevent England from finishing at 171.

Despite Brandon King's strong start for the West Indies, reaching 50 in 4.5 overs, they faced a brief challenge when rain interrupted play at 108-4 in the 13th over. However, the West Indies returned to the field with determination, ultimately surpassing England's score.

Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid played crucial roles for England, but the West Indies, led by Powell and Russell, emerged victorious in an entertaining T20 clash at the iconic Kensington Oval.

Picture credit - Cricket Times