West Indies level T/20 series with England 1-1

The inexperienced West Indies team leveled the T/20 series with the number one test team and reigning world T/20 champions England 1-1, when they recorded a 25-run win last Sunday at the Kia Oval in England.{{more}}

Playing in his first match for the West Indies, left-arm spinner Garey Mathurin stifled England’s run chase with 3 for 9 from his four overs.

England slumped to 88 all out, in pursuit of 114. Sharp fielding by the West Indies accounted for four run outs. Ben Stokes with 31 was the host’s best batsman.

The West Indies posted 113 for 5 from their 20 overs. Marlon Samuels with 35 not out and Johnson Charles 21, led the West Indies total. Samit Patel was England’s most successful with 2 for 22.

Mathurin was named Man of the Match.

England had taken the first match, last Friday, by 10 wickets.

Dwayne Smith 33 and fellow opener Johnson Charles 36, were the principal scorers in West Indies’ total of 125 all out.

They shared in a 51-run partnership, but the middle and lower order slumped, and the West Indies lost their last eight wickets for 28 runs.

Ravi Borapa bagged 4 for 10, bowling for England.

England then cruised to their target in style, with opener Alex Hales getting 62 and Craig Kieswetter, 58.

The West Indies now heads for Dubai where they will have a one-week camp before heading to Bangladesh to play a T20 International, three One-Day Internationals and two Tests. (RT)