Saqib Mahmood stars as England secure T20I series win against West Indies

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England wrapped up their T20 International series against West Indies with two games to spare thanks to a three-wicket victory in St Lucia on Thursday evening. After restricting the hosts to 148 runs in their innings, England were able to secure victory with four balls to spare and saw the tourists take an unassailable 3-0 lead ahead of the final two matches over the weekend.

Highlights: England clinch series win over West Indies after tense finish in 3rd T20

Video credit: TNT Sports

Sam Curran top-scored for England as they won a tight encounter in St Lucia by three wickets to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match series against West Indies.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl for the third straight match, England were once again outstanding in the powerplay, reducing West Indies to 37-5 after a delayed start.

Jacob Bethell got the ball rolling for England with a brilliant run out, while Saqib Mahmood was again amongst the wickets, taking 3/17, and Jofra Archer bagged 1/25.

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West Indies made a game of it thanks to a rebuilding partnership between captain Rovman Powell (54) and Romario Shepherd (30).

But an outstanding spell from Jamie Overton through the middle overs prevented significant damage, and he accounted for both set of batters, taking 3/20 from his four overs.

Some late hits from Alzarri Joseph saw West Indies finish on 145/8 in St Lucia, and that total looked challenging as England lost Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Bethell in the powerplay.

But a solid partnership between Will Jacks (32) and Curran (41) – promoted up to number five – helped set up England’s win despite losing early wickets.

Rehan Ahmed hit the winning runs as England secured victory with three wickets and four balls to spare, although West Indies will rue a host of missed opportunities that could have seen them produce something special in the second innings.

Liam Livingstone was dropped three times before accelerating to 39 from just 28 balls to avoid a nervy finish, holing out with the win just one hit away.

The series will conclude with two more games in St Lucia, coming up at 20:00 GMT on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Player of the Match – Saqib Mahmood

England’s opening bowling pair in T20 International cricket looks pretty locked after this series, with Saqib Mahmood the stand-out star alongside his new-ball teammate Jofra Archer.

Mahmood’s 3/17 played a massive role in this match, with all three wickets coming in the first six overs, taking his powerplay tally for the series up to eight wickets in three outings.

He cramped Evin Lewis for room with a short ball early on to lure the edge for his first, found some movement to get the edge of Roston Chase for his second, and picked the perfect line across Shimron Hetmyer to force a slice for his third.

It’s been a dream series so far for the 27-year-old.

'Mahmood has another in the powerplay!’ – Pressure piled on West Indies with Lewis dismissal

Video credit: TNT Sports

Talking Point – Role clarity proves key for England

The decisiveness with which England have gone about this series has been hugely impressive, showing the sort of clear and consistent thinking that was notably lacking in the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Despite having plenty of bowling options, Jos Buttler has stuck with his main two throughout the powerplays, again allowing Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood to each bowl three on the spin up top while wickets fell. That new ball threat is why Mahmood, in particular, is in the team, and he’s revelling in the role.

Jamie Overton’s emergence as England’s new Liam Plunkett continues, and he was outstanding through the middle overs, taking 3/20 in four overs, bowling with a heavy ball that could well seal his spot in the team.

And, with the bat, Sam Curran was again used in a way that actually suits his skillset. Promoted up to number five as a firefighter in the sort of scenario where he typically excels, he once again showed his ability to rebuild with a 26-ball 41 that set England a winning platform.

England are using players in clear, suitable and consistent roles, and the team is all-the-better for it.

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