Antigua: Stand-in captain Liam Livingstone smashed his maiden ODI century to guide England to a series-leveling win in the second match against the West Indies in North Sound, Antigua on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Livingstone with his first ODI ton led England's chase of 329, the second-highest in ODI cricket history in the Caribbean Islands.
After a defeat in the rain-hit campaign opener by eight wickets on October 31, England needed to win this encounter to keep themselves alive in the series. They were a bit of pressure in the absence of many international stars but a spirited batting effort helped the visitors turn things around and keep the series alive until the deciding game, scheduled for Wednesday in Barbados.
A top quality knock to see us to victory 🙌
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 2, 2024
Hear from @liaml4893 after his maiden ODI century 💯
🌴 #WIvENG 🏴 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/74n9AoP7ky
The stand-in captain said his hard work over the last few months has started paying off. "Certain things I have done in practice and at the end of the season in England felt like I have been getting back to my best. Maturing and I'm enjoying my cricket and if I'm enjoying my cricket, I play well. Pretty proud day," he said.
A record-breaking chase! 📈
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 2, 2024
What a performance to level the series! 🙌
🌴 #WIvENG 🏴 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/obyvrDp12E
Livingstone's acceleration in the latter part of the innings was unbelievable. He reached to the fifty in 60 balls and then took only 17 balls more to bring up his first ODI hundred, showcasing his ability to score quickly and under pressure. The right-hand batter whacked five boundaries and nine sixes for his 85-ball 124.
Simply BRILLIANT!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 2, 2024
A first ODI 100 for @liaml4893, and at the perfect time! 💯
Match centre: https://t.co/q1eOEABnWo
🌴 #WIvENG 🏴 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/j13JAXo2KY
England eventually surpassed the West Indies' total with 15 balls to spare, winning the match by five wickets.
HIGHEST SUCCESSFUL ODI CHASES IN THE WEST INDIES
- England - 364 for 4 vs West Indies in Bridgetown in 2019
- England - 329 for 5 vs West Indies in North Sound in 2024*
- West Indies - 326 for 6 vs England in North Sound in 2023
- Sri Lanka - 313 for 6 vs West Indies in Bridgetown in 2003
- India - 312 for 8 vs West Indies in Port of Spain in 2022
