- June 2, 2025
ENG vs WI (2nd ODI) – Highlights
England clinched the three-match ODI series against the West Indies in spectacular fashion, chasing down a formidable 309-run target with three wickets in hand and seven balls to spare at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Joe Root’s unbeaten 166 proved to be the decisive knock, guiding England through a turbulent start and anchoring what turned into a memorable comeback victory.
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, England faced an aggressive West Indies batting unit. With calm yet bold innings, Brandon King and skipper Shai Hope established a solid platform. King contributed 59 off 67 balls, while Hope displayed a calculated mix of caution and aggression with a blistering 78 off 66 balls, including four sixes. However, it was Keacy Carty who stole the limelight for the Caribbean side with a magnificent 103 off 105 deliveries — his maiden ODI century — crafted with 13 elegant boundaries.
Despite their top-order dominance, the West Indies suffered a late-innings collapse. From 205 for 2 in the 36th over, they lost their final eight wickets for just 103 runs. England’s bowling attack, initially expensive, recovered well under pressure. Adil Rashid, the most effective of the lot, claimed 4 wickets for 63 runs, including the crucial scalps of Hetmyer and Motie. Saqib Mahmood also impressed with his variations and control, ending with 3 for 37.
In reply, England’s innings began dramatically. Openers Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett were dismissed within the first two overs for ducks, leaving the hosts reeling at 2 for 2. The West Indies seam duo of Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde capitalized on early movement, stifling England’s start and silencing the Cardiff crowd.
But amidst the top-order chaos, Joe Root held firm. The seasoned right-hander showcased his trademark fluency and temperament, initially rebuilding with skipper Harry Brook, who added a fluent 47 off 36 balls. Following Brook’s dismissal and Jos Buttler’s rare failure, Root constructed another crucial partnership with Will Jacks. Their 143-run stand for the sixth wicket kept England’s hopes alive. Jack scored a valuable 49, playing second fiddle to Root’s composed brilliance.
Root’s knock, studded with 21 boundaries and two sixes, was a masterclass in pacing a chase under pressure. He reached his 16th ODI hundred in 109 balls and accelerated expertly as the target loomed. Rashid then provided the finishing touch alongside Root, sealing the win in the 49th over.
West Indies’ best bowler, Alzarri Joseph, was relentless, ending with remarkable figures of 4 for 31 in his 10 overs. His effort briefly threatened to derail England’s chase but lacked enough support from the other end, as Forde and Greaves proved expensive.
This victory not only sealed the series 2-0 for England but also marked Joe Root’s return to form in the white-ball format, earning him the Player of the Match award. His 166* is now among the finest ODI innings played at Cardiff and a timely reminder of his class with the bat.
As the two sides prepare for the final ODI at The Oval, West Indies will aim to avoid a whitewash, while England will look to complete a clinical clean sweep with momentum firmly on their side.
England vs West Indies Scoreboard
West Indies – 308/10 (47.4)
England – 312/7 (48.5)
Result – England won by 3 wickets
Player of the match – Joe Root
Joe Root
ENG vs WI Playing XIs
ENG | Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Adil Rashid, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Ben Duckett, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Joe Root |
West Indies | Shai Hope (c & wk), Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Gudakesh Motie, Jewel Andrew, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Keacy Carty |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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