Sports Desk

Evin Lewis (R) and Brandon King (L) of West Indies hit 50 runs partnership during the 1st ODI between West Indies and England at Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, on October 31, 2024. – AFP Photo

Opener Evin Lewis blitzed 96 as the West Indies hammered England by eight wickets in the first one-day international in Antigua.

The Trinidadian led from the front, striking five fours and eight sixes in his 69-ball innings, driving his side to within sight of their rain-revised target at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, falling shortly before the end as he attempted to bring his century up with a six.

His side were chasing a modest target after an inexperienced visiting line-up posted just 209 inside 46 overs, with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie taking 4-41.

Stand-in captain Liam Livingstone struck 48 from 49 deliveries, putting on 72 for the fifth wicket with Sam Curran (37), but they were the only two batters to pass 30 as England struggled to find their rhythm.

With the ball, England seamers Jofra Archer and John Turner, one of four debutants in the side, frequently troubled Lewis and his fellow opener Brandon King, bowling at high pace and drawing edges.

However they were unable to make a breakthrough and Lewis began to settle, clearing the leg-side boundary on five occasions as he reached 50 from 46 deliveries.

Rain took the two sides off shortly afterwards, but when play resumed with the home side’s target adjusted to 157, Lewis carried on where he left off, falling with his team 13 short of a win.

Captain Shai Hope came to the crease and hit the winning runs in the 26th over to complete a comprehensive victory.

The two teams will meet again at the same ground on Saturday (13:30 GMT), before a final ODI in Barbados on Wednesday. Source: BBC