The West Indies batters continued their rich form in the second One Day International (ODI) against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, powering their way to a strong position at the halfway mark. At the end of 26 overs, the visitors stood at 150 for 2 after England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to field first.
The West Indian innings was anchored by a fluent knock from Keacy Carty, who remained unbeaten on 80 off 81 deliveries. The right-hander displayed a combination of flair and composure, taking on both pace and spin to push the scoring rate. His innings included ten boundaries and was laced with elegant strokeplay, particularly through the off side.
Strong Opening Stand Sets the Tone
The day began brightly for the tourists, with openers Brandon King and Keacy Carty laying the foundation for a big score. The pair added a vital 147-run stand for the second wicket after the early dismissal of Alick Athanaze. King’s innings of 59 off 67 balls was a composed effort, featuring ten boundaries and plenty of intent. The right-hander looked set for a big score but perished while trying to accelerate, holing out to long-off off the bowling of Adil Rashid.
Rashid, who had been threatening throughout his spell, finally earned reward for his persistence. The leg-spinner had figures of 1 for 15 from his first four overs and provided some much-needed control in the middle overs. England’s other wicket-taker was Brydon Carse, who removed Athanaze early and returned 1 for 44 in his first seven overs.
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Carty’s Commanding Presence
While wickets fell at the other end, Carty stood firm. He expertly navigated the seam attack early on, then shifted gears once the field restrictions were eased. His stroke-making down the ground and through extra cover drew applause from a decent Cardiff crowd. In particular, his two boundaries off Carse in the 24th over — one a thumping pull over mid-off and another a crisp drive through square — demonstrated the confidence he has built in recent months.
The young batter from Sint Maarten seems to be cementing his role as a dependable No. 3 for the Windies, offering the kind of stability the side has craved. With 24 overs remaining and wickets in hand, the visitors will be eyeing a total north of 300 — a score that could test the depth of England’s batting line-up.
England’s Missed Opportunities
Despite the early breakthrough by Carse, England’s fielding effort left much to be desired. Several misfields and a dropped catch allowed West Indies to maintain their momentum. Brandon King’s dismissal came as a relief to the hosts, who had been under pressure as the run rate hovered around six an over for most of the innings.
Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks are yet to bowl, and England might turn to them to break the partnership and slow things down. The conditions in Cardiff have remained favourable for west batting so far, with the pitch offering consistent bounce and minimal lateral movement for the pacers.
What’s Ahead?
With 24 overs remaining and eight west wickets in hand, the West Indies are poised to launch a major assault in the death overs. Shai Hope, the West Indies captain and one of their most experienced finishers, is at the crease with Carty, and the pair could form the bedrock for a final surge.
England will need quick wickets to prevent the tourists from running away with the game. Their bowling attack — missing some frontline names — will be tested if the Windies’ lower order gets a platform to swing freely.
As things stand, West Indies are well ahead in this must-win encounter to level the series. England, despite winning the toss and choosing to field, have failed to make inroads with the new ball and now face a steep challenge if they are to chase down a competitive total under pressure.
