WI v ENG - ODI 2 - MATCH HIGHLIGHTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUZUKI
Before today, England had won 18 of their last 20 ODI chases - no wonder Eoin Morgan chose to have a bowl when he called correctly at the toss. However, his bowlers didn't get him the early incisions he'd have wanted, going through the first 10 overs without taking a wicket for the tenth time since the last World Cup.
As the innings went on, the tourists adapted from the previous game, bowling 15% slower balls compared to 30% in the first ODI - intelligent bowling that affected the Windies' ability to accelerate away. The hosts were trying to put their foot down, but it was tough going.
They were saved by the exceptional batting of Shimron Hetmyer. The youngster's fourth ODI century was enough to drag the home side up to a competitive total, and represented the latest milestone in his brief but startling career.
Shimron Hetmyer is a phenomenon.
— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) February 22, 2019
Since he made his debut, only two men have made more ODI centuries than Hetmyer - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli - and the West Indian has scored faster than both of them.
He has the potential to light up the World Cup. #WIvENG
Jason Holder's team managed to make a few early inroads with the ball, but ultimately England's middle order was too strong. Considerable contributions from Morgan and Ben Stokes brought the required run-rate down sufficiently that when Jos Buttler arrived at the crease, the result appeared to be all but a foregone conclusion.
Jos Buttler is a ridiculous batsman. After the 35th over, he scores at 8.84rpo against pace, and 7.77rpo against spin, and averages over 45 against both. When Jos is batting in the death overs, it doesn't matter what you're bowling - he's coming after you. #WIvENG
— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) February 22, 2019
Yet when Jason Holder struck twice in two balls, removing Buttler and Tom Curran, it seemed all but foregone. Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were tasked with seeing England home, from a position of difficulty, and despite a brief rally, they were not up to the task.
Sheldon Cottrell brought in five wickets, his career best figures, and saw the Windies over the line. His was a remarkable performance - he drew an edge or a miss with 26% of the deliveries he bowled, comfortably the most of any bowler in the match.
There's so much more to do and see in beautiful Barbados. Book a trip and enjoy new adventures.
Go where the cricket legends play! #LoveBarbados #WindiesCricket pic.twitter.com/5Ng3FWTUzz
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 22, 2019