SOUTHAMPTON, England – Joe Root’s classy unbeaten century led England to a comprehensive eight-wicket win over West Indies in a one-sided Cricket World Cup match in Southampton on Friday.
Chasing a modest 213 for victory, Root and Jonny Bairstow shared an opening partnership of 95. After Bairstow fell for 45, Root and Chris Woakes added 104 for the second wicket.
Woakes, promoted up the order due to injuries, departed for 40 but Root and Ben Stokes took the hosts and tournament favourites to their target with more than 16 overs to spare.
England’s third victory in four matches lifted them to second in the 10-team standings while West Indies are sixth following their second loss.
England fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood took three wickets apiece as West Indies were dismissed for 212 in the 45th over, Nicholas Pooran top-scoring with 63.
The only downside for England were injuries to captain Eoin Morgan, who suffered a back spasm, and opening batsman Jason Roy who was forced to leave the field due to a hamstring problem.
Summarised scores: West Indies 212 in 44.4 overs (Nicholas Pooran 63, Shimron Hetmyer 39, Chris Gayle 36, Andre Russell 21, Carlos Brathwaite 14, Shai Hope 11; Mark Wood 3-18, Jofra Archer 3-30). England 213-2 in 33.1 overs (Joe Root 100 n.o., Jonny Bairstow 45, Chris Woakes 40, Ben Stokes 10 n.o.; Shannon Gabriel 2-49). England won by eight wickets with 101 balls remaining.
