ST JOHN’S – England’s interim captain, Liam Livingstone, delivered a sensational maiden century in One Day Internationals (ODI), leading his team to a resounding five-wicket victory over the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Saturday.
Livingstone’s unbeaten 124 off 85 balls saw England complete an impressive chase of the West Indies’ formidable 328, ultimately reaching 329 for five in 47.3 overs—the second-highest successful run chase in the Caribbean.
Livingstone’s standout innings eclipsed West Indies captain Shai Hope’s earlier century, setting up an exciting series-decider in the final ODI at Kensington Oval on Wednesday.
Hope had sparked the West Indies’ total
Hope had sparked the West Indies’ total with a well-played 117 from 127 balls, his first century in recent matches. Supported by Keacy Carty’s steady 71 and Sherfane Rutherford’s brisk 54, the hosts posted their sixth-highest ODI total on home soil.
However, England’s top-order stability proved decisive. Although Matthew Forde and ODI debutant Shamar Joseph struck early, reducing England to 63 for two, Phil Salt (59) and Jacob Bethell (55) steadied the innings. Together with Livingstone, they built critical partnerships to chip away at the target.
Livingstone’s nerves initially showed with a risky four past slip, but he soon found his rhythm, hammering Forde for a six over square leg to set the tone. In partnership with Bethell, Livingstone powered the English side to 173 for three, though Jayden Seales dismissed Bethell shortly after his half-century, leaving England at 160 for four.
Swift 140-run stand
Sam Curran joined Livingstone, and their swift 140-run stand broke West Indies’ hold on the game. Livingstone brought up his half-century in the 41st over, following it with aggressive hits, including two consecutive sixes off Gudakesh Motie. A rapid sequence of sixes and fours off Seales in the 45th over practically sealed the match, with Livingstone achieving his century with a single off Forde on the 77th ball he faced.
Despite Curran’s departure for 52 in the 46th over, Livingstone closed out the game with nine sixes and five fours, putting England within reach of victory and ultimately finishing with a single from Forde’s delivery. Forde was the best of the West Indies’ bowlers, taking three for 48 from his 8.3 overs.
The final showdown awaits at Kensington Oval, where England and West Indies will battle for the series title.
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