England Completes 3-0 ODI Series Sweep Against West Indies
England Dominates West Indies in ODI Series
England showcased a commanding performance during their white-ball tour, achieving a clean sweep of 3-0 against the West Indies in the ODI series. The final match, affected by rain, took place in Taunton, where Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered an impressive innings of 57 not out off 33 balls, guiding her team to a nine-wicket victory using the DLS method. This defeat left the West Indies without a win in their last six matches, which included three T20Is and three ODIs.
Sciver-Brunt and Dunkley Lead the Charge
In this match, England opened with Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley, while seasoned opener Amy Jones was moved down the batting order, and Tammy Beaumont was rested. Dunkley started strong, scoring 26 runs off 21 balls before being dismissed by Karishma Ramharack. Sciver-Brunt then guided England to the modest target of 107 runs in just 10.5 overs.
Capsey Seals the Victory for England
Alice Capsey, who was promoted to the No. 3 spot, contributed a quickfire 20 runs off 11 balls, helping England reach 109 for 1 and secure both the match and the series comfortably. The target was adjusted due to a five-hour rain delay, which reduced the game to 21 overs per side.
West Indies Struggle Despite Early Promise
The West Indies, batting first under gloomy conditions, faced early setbacks as Kate Cross dismissed Realeanna Grimmond in the opening over. Em Arlott added to the pressure by taking two quick wickets, leaving the visitors struggling at 4 for 3. Qiana Joseph and Aaliyah Alleyne provided some resistance, with Joseph scoring 34 and Alleyne hitting five consecutive boundaries in her 27 runs off 18 balls, bringing the West Indies total to 106 for 8. Sarah Glenn emerged as a key player after the rain break, claiming three crucial wickets, including that of the aggressive Joseph.
Rain Disruption Does Not Hinder England's Performance
The match faced significant interruptions due to rain, with play halted for five hours after 12.3 overs, during which the West Indies were at 43 for 3. Upon resumption, Glenn and Charlie Dean tightened the grip on the game, with Dean taking the wicket of stand-in captain Shemaine Campbelle on her first delivery. Glenn continued her strong performance by dismissing Shabika Gajnabi and Joseph, while Lauren Filer and Alice Davidson-Richards also made vital contributions in the field.
England's Rotation Strategy Proves Effective
England's rotation policy was evident as they rested Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith for this match, bringing in Glenn and Dean. Arlott returned to the squad after missing the previous ODI and made a significant impact. This victory highlighted England's depth and adaptability, while the West Indies were left to reflect on a tour that yielded no victories.