The 3rd T20I between West Indies and England will take place on November 15, 2024, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia. With England leading the five-match series 2-0, the West Indies face a crucial challenge in this game to prevent England from clinching the series early. This match promises excitement and drama, as both teams are set to bring their best players and strategies to the field.

Series Recap So Far

The series opener saw West Indies post a competitive total, but England’s aggressive batting, led by Philip Salt’s impressive 103 off 54 balls, allowed them to chase down 182 with ease, marking an eight-wicket victory. England followed up with another commanding performance in the second match, with contributions from Jos Buttler and their bowlers securing a comfortable win. This leaves the West Indies with the task of reversing their fortunes in the 3rd T20I​.

Key Players to Watch

  • England: Philip Salt, with his century in the first T20I, has been a standout batsman, setting a high bar for England’s batting lineup. Jos Buttler, leading as captain, provides stability and power in the middle order. Saqib Mahmood has shown his bowling prowess, leading England’s wicket-taking efforts.
  • West Indies: Skipper Rovman Powell has led the charge for the West Indies, but he will need more support from teammates like Brandon King and Nicholas Pooran. Romario Shepherd has also stepped up with key wickets but will need even more impact to challenge the in-form English side.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Daren Sammy Stadium generally favors batters, often leading to high scores and thrilling chases. However, some spin and pace variations could offer bowlers opportunities, particularly in the middle overs. With moderate weather predicted, conditions seem set for a complete game without interruptions​.

Head to Head and Strategy

Historically, England has maintained a slight advantage in T20I contests against West Indies, and they’ve exploited that advantage well in this series. West Indies will likely focus on improving their top-order stability to build a more defensible score. On the other hand, England’s strategy may revolve around early breakthroughs with disciplined bowling, leveraging their strong batting lineup to chase any target comfortably.

Probable Playing XIs

  • West Indies: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Sherfane Rutherford, Matthew Forde.
  • England: Philip Salt, Will Jacks, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Dan Mousley, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood.

The match promises to be a thrilling face-off as West Indies fights to stay in the series, and England seeks to seal the win and move forward with momentum.