On Sunday, Curran had a tough time in the series opener, conceding 98 runs in 9.5 overs as England lost by four wickets—an unfortunate record for an England bowler in ODI cricket. However, he made a strong comeback on Wednesday, taking three of the first four wickets as the opposing team was bowled out for 202 in 39.4 overs during the day/night fixture. In the English response, Jacks scored 73, and Buttler, the captain, found his form with an unbeaten 58, leading the team to victory alongside Harry Brook (43 not out) in a fifth-wicket partnership of 90.

“It was tough the other day but just have to keep moving forward and try to bounce back,” Curran said after his Man-of-the-Match performance at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Curran and Atkinson made a strong start, reducing the West Indies to 23 for four. Thanks to a 129-run partnership between Hope and Rutherford, the hosts avoided a complete collapse.

Spinner Liam Livingston then took center stage, dismissing both Hope and Rutherford and securing three wickets. Atkinson and spinner Rehan Ahmed also contributed with two wickets each.

The West Indies’ aggressive batting approach resulted in their innings ending with ten unused overs out of the allotted 50. In England’s response, openers Jacks and Salt quickly reached 50 by the sixth over. Despite spinners like Motie taking two wickets, England faced a bit of a challenge at 116 for four.

However, Buttler and Brook eased the concerns, with Buttler achieving his first half-century in 15 innings and surpassing 5,000 runs in ODIs, becoming the fifth Englishman to do so.

“I’ve been searching a bit for some form so it was great to spend some time in the middle,” said Buttler.

“I was really getting fed up with the way things were going so it’s pleasing to get back to something like the player I know I am.”

Hope: Home Team Struggles to Rise to Early Challenge

“We didn’t play the situation smart enough and got ourselves into a deep hole. Now we’ve got to be ready for this final game.”

Hope will play at his home ground, Kensington Oval in Barbados, for the decisive match on Saturday. After that, the teams will switch to a five-match T20 International series.