Ben Duckett’s 84 fires England to record 248-3 as they seal T20 series whitewash against Windies.
England stormed to a record-breaking T20 victory over West Indies, sealing a 3-0 series clean sweep in style at Southampton’s Utilita Bowl. Powered by Ben Duckett’s dazzling 84, the hosts posted their highest T20 total on home soil — 248-3 — before comfortably defending it with a 37-run win.
Duckett’s innings was a masterclass in invention and aggression, his 46-ball knock anchoring a 120-run opening partnership with Jamie Smith. Smith played his part superbly, blasting a rapid 60 off just 26 deliveries as England’s top order dismantled a beleaguered West Indies attack.
Captain Harry Brook continued the onslaught alongside Jacob Bethell in the latter stages, with the pair finishing unbeaten on 35 and 36 respectively. Their late hitting pushed England’s total beyond their previous home record of 234-6, set against South Africa in 2022. It also marked their second-highest T20 total anywhere in the world.
For West Indies, the task of chasing 249 always seemed daunting, but Rovman Powell offered resistance with a spirited 79 not out from 45 balls. Captain Shai Hope contributed 45, striking three towering sixes, but wickets fell regularly, and the tourists ultimately closed on 211-8.
England’s bowling attack, led by left-arm pacer Luke Wood, applied pressure throughout the innings. Wood finished with impressive figures of 3-31, while his fellow bowlers maintained control as the required run rate spiralled out of reach for the visitors.
The result not only secured a series whitewash but also continued Harry Brook’s perfect start as England’s white-ball captain. The young skipper has now overseen six consecutive victories since taking charge, further solidifying his growing reputation in international cricket.
Speaking after the match, Brook praised his side’s all-round display: “The lads were outstanding. From the start with Duckett and Smith setting the tone to the bowlers keeping their composure, it was a complete performance.”
West Indies, meanwhile, were left ruing their inability to contain England’s relentless batting assault. Despite some valiant efforts with the bat, they struggled to match the hosts’ firepower across all three matches.
The series showcased England’s formidable batting depth, with multiple players stepping up across the three matches. Duckett’s fluency, Smith’s aggression, and the finishing prowess of Brook and Bethell reflect a side brimming with confidence and options heading into future tournaments.
For Duckett, this latest innings underlined his value as a dynamic T20 opener. Using all corners of the ground, his stroke play was both innovative and ruthless, constantly unsettling the West Indies bowlers and dictating the tempo of the innings.
Smith, too, impressed with his fearless approach, capitalising on the foundation laid by Duckett to pile further misery on the visitors. His 60 came at a blistering strike rate, ensuring England’s innings never lost momentum.
As the packed Southampton crowd roared with every boundary, England’s total climbed to historic levels, leaving the West Indies with an almost impossible task. Though Powell’s late surge brought some respectability to the scoreline, it was never enough to threaten England’s dominance.
England now turn their attention to the remainder of a busy summer schedule with renewed confidence. Brook’s leadership, the side’s batting depth, and the bowling unit’s control all bode well as they build towards upcoming global tournaments.
For West Indies, the series leaves plenty of questions. While their batting showed glimpses of promise, their bowling attack lacked answers to England’s aggression, highlighting areas needing urgent attention.
As the players left the field, the statistics spoke for themselves: a record home total, a clean sweep, and a perfect start to Brook’s captaincy reign. England’s white-ball machine looks as formidable as ever.
