Hosts England with some inspiring batting by their opener Joe Root who scored an unbeaten 100, registered a facile eight-wicket win over former champions West Indies in the ICC World Cup cricket match played at Southampton on Friday.

Winning the toss and electing to field, England began well by striking early and dismissing opener Evin Lewis (2) at the score of (1 for 4). Chris Gayle played some rousing strokes to score a breezy 36. West Indies lost Shai Hope (11) and were struggling at 55 for three.

The innings was consolidated with a good 89-run fourth wicket partnership between Nicholas Pooran (63, 78b, 3×4, 1×6) and Shirmon Hetmyer 39 ( 48b, 4×4). After the fall of Hetmyer, wicket fell at regular intervals and West Indies were bowled out for 212 in 44.4 overs. A. Russell (21) was the only other useful contributor. Jofra Archer (three for 30) and Mark Wood (three for 18) were the England bowlers who impressed.

Root excels

Inspiring batting performance by opener Joe Root (100 n.o, 94b, 11×4) and his 95-run opening wicket partnership with Bairstow (45, 46b, 7×4) helped England’s cause.

Later Joe Root and Chris Woakes (40, 54b, 4×4) added 103-runs for the second wicket, which paved way for their team’s comfortable win. England ended up scoring 213 for two in 33.1 overs. Shannon Gabriel took two for 49 for West Indies.

New Zealand heads the points table with 7 points from 4 games. England is in the second place with 6 points from four games while Australia is in the third place with 6 points from four games. India is in the fourth place with 5 points from 3 games.

SCORES

West Indies: 212 in 44.4 overs (Chris Gayle 36, Nicholas Pooram 63, Shirmon Hetmyer 39, A. Russell 21, Jofra Archer 3 for 30, Mark wood 3 for 18) lost to England: 213 for 2 in 33.1 overs (Joe Root 100 n.o., Bairstow 45, Chris Woakes 40, Shannon Gabriel 2 for 49). Player of the Match: Joe Root.