England Crush West Indies by 238 Runs | 1st ODI 2025 Highlights

England Demolish West Indies by 238 Runs in Record-Breaking ODI at Edgbaston

Summary
England vs West Indies 1st ODI saw a dominant display from the hosts as they posted a mammoth 400/8 before skittling West Indies for just 162 in under 27 overs. The victory margin of 238 runs marked one of England’s biggest in ODI history. Jacob Bethell was named Player of the Match for his explosive 82 and a handy wicket, but the win was truly a team performance, headlined by clinical batting and ruthless bowling.

Scorecard
Match: England vs West Indies, 1st ODI – West Indies tour of England 2025
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham | Date: May 29, 2025
Toss: West Indies won the toss, opted to bowl

England: 400/8 (50 Overs)

• Bethell 82 (53), Duckett 60 (48), Brook 58 (45), Buttler 37 (32)

• Seales 4/84, Greaves 2/68

West Indies: 162 all out (26.2 Overs)

• Shai Hope 25 (21), Justin Greaves 45 (56)

• Mahmood 3/32, Overton 3/30

Result: England won by 238 runs
Player of the Match: Jacob Bethell (82 runs, 1 wicket)

Batting Blitzkrieg: England Post a Towering 400

In a contest billed as the beginning of a fresh ODI cycle, England vs West Indies proved anything but balanced. Having been asked to bat second, the West Indies likely thought they had the better end of the bargain. By the end of England's innings, that decision looked disastrous.

Led by the fearless Jacob Bethell, England smashed their way to 400/8, their fifth 400+ score in ODI history. Batting at No. 6, Bethell's blistering 82 off 53 balls included five sixes and showcased the kind of fearless middle-order hitting that England have often lacked post the 2019 World Cup. His timing, placement, and confidence against both pace and spin underlined the talent England hopes to groom in the next generation.

But Bethell wasn’t alone. Ben Duckett crafted a fluent 60, Harry Brook—leading the side in this fixture—added 58, and Will Jacks piled on a swift 39. Even Jamie Smith gave the innings a flying start with his aggressive 37.

Jayden Seales was the only bowler with noteworthy success for the visitors, finishing with 4/84 in his 9 overs. But even he was at the mercy of a batting unit that came out with a clear plan: score fast, score deep, and break the visitors mentally before the second innings even began.

A Ruthless Bowling Display: West Indies Fold in 26.2 Overs

If England’s batting was a fireworks show, the bowling was a dismantling operation. The West Indies batting order crumbled under the pressure of chasing an improbable target, managing only 162 in 26.2 overs. It was a collapse both technical and mental, with only Justin Greaves showing some fight with a gritty 45.

Saqib Mahmood, returning to ODI duty, bowled with fire and accuracy. His 3/32 included the prized scalp of skipper Shai Hope, who top-edged a pull to deep square leg. Mahmood's pace and length kept the batters guessing, and his early breakthroughs ensured West Indies were never in the contest.

Jamie Overton was equally effective, claiming 3/30 in his spell. His pace through the air and use of the short ball put the lower order under duress. The highlight was his clever dismissal of Matthew Forde, who was undone by a well-directed bouncer.

Adil Rashid, ever reliable, picked up two wickets, and Jacob Bethell chipped in with one, capping off a sensational all-round performance.

Bethell’s Coming of Age: A New Star on the Horizon

Jacob Bethell was already making noise on the domestic scene, but this match could be his real coming-out party at the international level. The young left-hander attacked from the moment he arrived at the crease and looked unflustered by the occasion or the bowling. His 82 off 53 wasn’t just aggressive—it was smart.

Later, his role with the ball was limited, but impactful. He picked up the wicket of Jewel Andrew, tightening England’s stranglehold on the middle order. Bethell’s dual skill set makes him an exciting prospect, and England’s think-tank will be eager to see him evolve over the coming months.

What Went Wrong for the West Indies?

For the West Indies, this was a rude awakening. The bowlers lacked both control and imagination, with not a single bowler going at under six runs an over. Even spinners like Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie were unable to apply pressure, frequently straying in line and length.

With the bat, the top order collapsed under the scoreboard pressure, while the middle order fell into rash shot-making. Greaves’ 45 was the only real highlight in an innings riddled with poor decision-making. Shai Hope, expected to anchor the chase, fell cheaply and symbolized the team’s struggles.

For a side looking to rebuild its white-ball reputation, this defeat was comprehensive and exposes the gulf in quality and discipline between the two outfits.

England Signal Intent Ahead of 2025 Calendar

If this match is any indication of how England plan to play in ODIs in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup, their rivals should take note. Harry Brook’s captaincy was proactive, the bowling changes were spot on, and the fielding intensity rarely dropped despite the margin of dominance.

The selection of players like Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, and Jacob Bethell indicates a clear shift toward grooming aggressive, multi-skilled cricketers—a blueprint that won them the 2019 title and one they seem committed to enhancing further.