WI v ENGLAND 2nd ODI: Captain Livingston scripts England’s record chase in Antigua

Liam Livingstone brought up his maiden ODI hundred to help England to a series win in the second ODI against the West Indies in North Sound, Antigua on Saturday 2 November. Playing the captain’s knock, Livingstone scripted England’s chase of 329 – the second highest in the history of ODI cricket in the Caribbean.

England started the match at the Sir Vivien Richards Stadium under a bit of pressure after losing the first ODI by eight wickets on 31 October. However, a spirited batting led by stand-in captain Livingstone helped England turn things around. and keep the streak alive until Wednesday’s deciding game in Barbados. Shai Hope’s century for West Indies went in vain

Livingstone was delighted after his maiden ODI hundred was a match-winning affair. The stand-in captain said his hard work over the past few months has started to pay off.

WI vs ENG 2nd ODI: Highlights and Scoreboard

“I did certain things in training and at the end of the England season I felt I was back to my best. I’m maturing, I’m enjoying my cricket and if I’m enjoying my cricket I’m playing well. Nice pride day,” he said.

HIGHEST ODIE CHASING SUCCESS IN THE WEST INDIES

• England 364 for 4 vs West Indies at Bridgetown in 2019
• England 329 for 5 vs West Indies at North Sound in 2024*
• West Indies – 326 for 6 against England in North Sound in 2023
• Sri Lanka – 313 for 6 v West Indies at Bridgetown in 2003
• India – 312 for 8 vs West Indies at Port of Spain in 2022

Livingston’s acceleration in the latter part of the innings was impressive. He converted fifty from 60 balls into a century from 77 balls, showing his ability to score quickly and under pressure. Livingstone hit five boundaries and nine sixes in an 85-ball 124.

England eventually outclassed West Indies’ total with 15 balls to spare, winning the match by five wickets.

Livingston’s innings was not a solo effort; it was supported by several key partnerships. Phil Salt made 59 runs at the start of the chase, while Jacob Bethell scored his first ODI 50 in 55 runs. However, the partnership between Livingstone and Sam Curran was key. The duo added 140 runs from 107 balls, with Curran scoring 52 runs from 52 balls. That partnership absorbed the initial pressure and set the stage for Livingston’s explosive finish.

Earlier in the day, West Indies, batting first, posted a mammoth total of 328-6 in their 50 overs. Shai Hope was the standout player for the home side, scoring his 17th ODI century from 117 runs. Other significant contributions came from Kisi Carthy (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54), but in the end it was not enough.