WEST INDIES won the first match in the Twenty20 series against England by 27 runs this evening at Kensington Oval.
In a comprehensive all round display, West Indies scored 170 for three off their 20 overs and limited England to 143-9 in reply.
Marlon Samuels scored 69 and Chris Gayle 43 for West Indies as Ravi Bopara took two for 23.
Despite an unbeaten 47 by Tim Bresnan and 42 by Bopara, England fell short after losing too many wickets. They were unable to have a go at the end, needing 38 off the last over.
Samuel Badree celebrated his 33rd birthday by taking three wickets, including two in two balls, for 17 runs.
The second in the three-match series will be on Tuesday at the same venue.
Summarised scores: West Indies 170-3 in 20 overs (Marlon Samuels 69 n.o., C. Gayle 43, D. Smith 27, A. Russell 24 n.o.; R. Bopara 2-23). England 143-9 in 20 overs (T. Bresnan 43, R. Bopara 42, E. Morgan 19, M. Lumb 18; S. Badree 3-17, M. Samuels 2-21). West Indies won by 27 runs. (SAT)