04-Jun-2025 03:12 PM
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London, June 4 (Reporter) England romped to a 3-0 series clean sweep over West Indies with a seven-wicket victory in the third one-day international at The Oval.
Chasing 246 in 40 overs after rain, Jamie Smith crashed 64 from just 28 balls - his first ODI half-century - as England reached 100 after just eight overs on Tuesday.
That was the joint-fourth quickest any men's side has reached three figures in the format and they were able to complete their chase with 10.2 overs to spare with Ben Duckett hitting 58 and Joe
Root 44.
Smith's assault quickly eradicated fears England would be punished for letting a good position slip
in allowing West Indies to post 251-9 in their rain-interrupted 40 overs, the BBC reported.
In an innings split in two by a 90-minute rain delay, Gudakesh Motie's 63 at number eight rescued an innings that was floundering at 154-7 despite Sherfane Rutherford's 70.
But Adil Rashid took 3-40 and, despite the bowling lacking accuracy throughout, England secured their first ODI series win since before their white-ball downturn began at the 2023 World Cup.
New captain Harry Brook will look to continue his perfect start in charge in the three-match T20
series which starts in Chester-le-Street on Friday...////...