BASSETERRE, St Kitts, Nov 4, CMC – A sensational, record-equalling century chase was never on the cards for West Indies A, but nothing could detract from the sheer dominance of England Lions, who powered to a 96-run victory in the third and final T20 to complete a 3-0 series whitewash at the Conaree Sports Club here on Wednesday.
The day belonged to Rehan Ahmed, whose brutal 92 from just 46 deliveries was the cornerstone of a formidable total of 219-7 posted by the visitors.
After being put in to bat, the Lions lost early wickets, but Ahmed’s innings, which featured five fours and a staggering eight sixes, changed the complexion of the game entirely.
Coming in at number three, Ahmed found an able ally in James Rew, and the pair launched a stunning counter-attack.
Their 112-run partnership for the third wicket took the game away from the hosts, with Rew contributing a fluent 57 off 37 balls.
The West Indies A bowlers, who had started promisingly with two early scalps, were left searching for answers as the ball disappeared to all parts of the ground.
Shadrack Descarte, Keon Gaston, and Joshua James all finished with two wickets apiece, but their figures were severely dented by the Lions’ onslaught, with Zishan Motara conceding 52 runs from his three overs.
In reply, the target of 220 was always going to require an extraordinary effort. Any hopes West Indies A had of a miracle were quickly extinguished by a fiery opening spell from Adam Finch, who dismissed Zachary Carter (12) and captain Alick Athanaze (3) in quick succession.
The innings never gained any momentum. Karima Gore offered some brief resistance with a 24-ball 37, but the spin duo of Calvin Harrison and Rehan Ahmed, continuing his magnificent day, tore through the middle order.
Leg-spinner Harrison was the pick of the bowlers with exceptional figures of 3 for 26 from his four overs, while Ahmed capped a man-of-the-match performance with 2 for 16.
Liam Patterson-White also chipped in with two late wickets as the West Indies A innings subsided for a mere 123 all out in the 17th over.
CMC a/26