The highly anticipated fifth T20 International between England and the West Indies ended prematurely due to relentless rain, cementing England’s 3-1 victory in the series. The match, held at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, on November 17, 2024, was abandoned after just five overs, leaving fans disappointed but still celebrating England’s dominant series performance.
After winning the toss, England opted to field first, giving the West Indies a chance to bat. Openers Evin Lewis and Shai Hope made a strong start, putting up an unbeaten 44 runs in just five overs. Lewis looked in fine form, scoring 29 not out, including several aggressive strokes that showcased his attacking flair. Hope supported him steadily at the other end, contributing 14 runs to the partnership.
Just as the game was beginning to gather momentum, torrential rain swept across the stadium, forcing the players off the field. Despite attempts to wait out the weather, the downpour continued unabated, leaving the match officials with no choice but to call off the game.
This result handed England the series trophy, as the team had already secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The abandonment of the final match was a bittersweet moment for both teams, as the contest promised to be an exciting culmination to the series.
England’s players celebrated their series victory with the trophy, marking a successful campaign against a talented West Indies side. The series showcased England’s balanced and consistent performances, with contributions from both bat and ball across the four completed matches.
For the West Indies, the abandonment denied them a chance to end the series on a high note after losing three of the four completed games. However, the positive start by their openers in this match offered a glimpse of the team’s potential and resilience.
The rain-curtailed match adds to the growing list of weather-affected games in international cricket, sparking renewed conversations about scheduling matches in rain-prone regions and the importance of reserve days.
Despite the anticlimactic finish, England’s dominance throughout the series left no doubt about their superiority in this T20 contest. The victory will boost their confidence as they look ahead to upcoming challenges in the international cricket calendar. For the West Indies, the series highlighted areas for improvement, but also showed flashes of brilliance that could serve as building blocks for future success.
The trophy presentation at the end of the day served as a testament to England’s teamwork and determination throughout the series. While rain might have dampened the final match, it could not overshadow England’s well-deserved triumph in Saint Lucia.