ICC T20: England outplay Windies in Dubai

England executed a dominating performance as they beat defending champions West Indies by six wickets in Group 1 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Dubai International Stadium.

Windies were bowled out for 55 after England captain Eoin Morgan opted to bowl first.

This was West Indies’ lowest total of T20 World Cup history.

England chased down the target in the 9th over, securing the victory by 6 wickets.

Rashid, Moeen wreak havoc

The spin duo of Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali combined picked six wickets.

Ali opened the proceedings and bowled some tight lengths.

He removed Lendl Simmons and Shimron Hetmyer in his straight four-over spell.

He returned with the figures of 2-17 with a maiden as well.

Ali was awarded the Player of the Match trophy for his brilliant catch of Evin Lewis and brilliant opening spell.

“A catch like that gives you a bit of confidence, I think it settled my nerves a bit,” he said. “They do have a lot of left-handers at the top, so I knew I would be bowling early on.”

Leg-spinner Rashid had a great day as he registered his best bowling figures in the T20I format.

Rashid dismissed the last four Windies’ batters and only conceded two runs in 2.2 overs.

Mills makes an impact on return

Left-arm pacer Tymal Mills returned to the England set-up and stamped his authority in the first match.

Mills was brought back into the side for this competition, viewing his pace.

He made an instant impact as he removed dangerous Chris Gayle, who was the only batter to make double figures with his 13.

In the 9th over, he sent back wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran for just 1. He finished with figures of 2/17 in four overs.

Clumsy chase for England

Chasing 55, England had a chance to secure an even hefty net run-rate advantage but West Indies bowlers didn’t make it easy.

Jason Roy (11) was the first player to be dismissed by Ravi Rampaul in the fourth over.

Spinner Akeal Hosein took two catches off his own bowling to remove Jonny Bairstow (9) and Liam Livingstone (1).

Moeen Ali was sent back early for three runs after a complete mishap in the middle with Jos Buttler, leading to a run-out.

Morgan (7*) stepped into the ground with only 17 runs remaining.

He took England home with Buttler staying till the end as an opener for his 24*.

WI skipper reflects on disastrous batting

Pollard opined that the performance was unacceptable and they will look forget this loss as soon as possible.

“We haven’t batted well in our three games so far. We went out, guys tried to play their shots, and it didn’t come off. I don’t think any sort of panic will come into our camp.”

“It is what it is, we just need to take it on our chest and move on, this is an international sport.” 

On the flip side, Morgan was ecstatic to open the tournament with two points in the bag.

“It’s as good as it gets. To start our campaign like that, all credit to our bowling unit. The guys were very disciplined, and we took our chances. We were [thinking of NRR, and held back Malan], we wanted guys to go after the bowling, but that was difficult today on that pitch.”

England 56 for 4 (Buttler 24*) beat West Indies 55 (Rashid 4-2, Moeen 2-17) by six wickets.