England won the Only T20I against West Indies at Trent Bridge, Nottingham by 7 wickets with two balls to spare. Opener Alex Hales was the hero of the match for the hosts but unfortunately was dismissed one short of a maiden international century.

By BV Swagath

England won the Only T20I against West Indies at Trent Bridge, Nottingham by 7 wickets with two balls to spare. Opener Alex Hales was the hero of the match for the hosts but unfortunately was dismissed one short of a maiden international century.

Batting first after winning the toss, West Indies thanks to half centuries from opener Dwayne Smith (70 from 54 balls with 5 fours and 5 sixes) and Dwayne Bravo (54* from 36 balls with a four and three sixes) came up with a competitive total of 172 for 4. While Chris Gayle flopped scoring only 2, another big man Kieron Pollard scored a crucial cameo of 23* from 13 balls with a four and two sixes. Tall fast bowler Steven Finn bowled superbly taking 2 for 22 in 4 overs.

England were comfortable in their run chase as 23-year-old Alex Hales and Ravi Bopara (59 from 44 balls with 4 fours and a six) sealing the run chase with a huge stand of 159 for the second wicket. Hales tragically got out on 99 (from 68 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes) when he was yorked by Ravi Rampaul.