England and West Indies face off in the highly anticipated 3rd and final T20 International at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. With England already having clinched the series 2-0, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this white-ball showdown, broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket from 18:30 onwards.
England’s dominance in the series has been marked by a blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents stepping up at crucial moments. Jos Buttler, the former captain, has been a standout performer, top-scoring in both matches so far with scores of 96 and 47. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed has been pivotal. Jamie Pacheco, a respected cricket analyst, has expressed confidence in Buttler’s form, suggesting he could continue his run with double stakes, highlighting Buttler’s consistency and match-winning potential.
In the previous encounter at Bristol on June 8, England secured a convincing four-wicket victory chasing a target of 197. The innings was bolstered by Buttler’s 47 and current captain Harry Brook’s 34, who have both led the side to success since Brook took over the white-ball captaincy, winning all five games under his leadership. Notably, the younger players have made significant contributions, with Jacob Bethell smashing 26 off just 10 balls, including three sixes, and Tom Banton remaining unbeaten on 30, sealing the win with nine balls to spare.
Luke Wood has been a revelation with the ball, providing England with early breakthroughs and consistent pressure. In the second T20I, he dismissed Evin Lewis with the very first ball and finished with figures of 2-25. His swing bowling has set the tone for England’s bowling attack, earning him the Man of the Match award. Meanwhile, Adil Rashid, despite his experience, endured a tough outing conceding 59 runs for one wicket in the same match, reflecting the high-scoring nature of the series.
England’s squad depth has been on display, with players like Liam Dawson, who impressed in the first T20I with his 4-20 bowling figures, and Jacob Bethell, who has contributed both with bat and ball. The possible XI for the final match includes a mix of these players: Duckett, Salt, Buttler, Brook, Banton, Bethell, Jacks or Overton, Dawson, Rashid or Rehman, Potts, and Mahmood. This rotation underscores England’s strategy of building a versatile team capable of adapting to different match situations rather than relying on a fixed core.
On the other side, the West Indies have shown flashes reminiscent of their golden era, with late big-hitting cameos from Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, and Jason Holder. These players have the power to change the complexion of the game rapidly, as seen in their 34, 19, and 29 runs respectively in the last match. However, the team has struggled with consistency and discipline, particularly in bowling. Roston Chase’s expensive over conceding 15 runs and Romario Shepherd’s 42 runs in three overs highlight the challenges faced by the Windies’ bowling unit.
Alzarri Joseph’s erratic bowling was a low point, notably delivering a wide full toss that yielded four byes and a no-ball, moments that can shift momentum in tight contests. His reaction to the umpire’s decision drew criticism, indicating some underlying attitude and discipline issues within the team. West Indies captain Shai Hope, who has been a steadying force and top-scored with 49 in the previous match, will be crucial in steering the team through this final game. Hope is backed with 10/3 odds to be the Windies’ top batsman in the match, reflecting his role as the linchpin of their batting order.
The West Indies squad for the final is expected to include Charles, Lewis, Hope, Rutherford, Powell, Russell, Hosein or Chase, Holder, Shepherd, Motie, and Joseph. Andre Russell’s potential return after a niggle adds a powerful option to their lineup, possibly providing the explosive finishers they need to challenge England’s total.
Pitch and weather conditions at Southampton are favorable, with good weather expected. Historical data since 2021 shows England’s mixed record at this venue, having lost three out of four matches to top teams like India, Australia, and South Africa, while their victory against Sri Lanka in 2021 remains a highlight. The pitch has supported competitive first-innings scores ranging from 179 to 198, suggesting that a target around 190-195 is likely to be decisive.
Betting markets reflect the unpredictable nature of the contest. England are favored but with the series already won, the pressure is off, and the West Indies might capitalize on this freedom. Betting odds suggest a 15/8 chance for a Windies win, though caution is advised given their inconsistency. Live betting on England at odds around 2.0 is recommended for those seeking value during the match.
Jos Buttler’s form has sparked interest among bettors, with odds of 14/5 for him to top-score again, though some suggest more conservative bets such as him reaching 25 runs at 5/6 odds might be smarter given the potential for openers like Ben Duckett or Jamie Smith to set high benchmarks early on. The openers have shown promise, with Duckett’s scintillating 84 off 46 balls in the second T20I and Smith’s aggressive 60 off 26 balls, both playing pivotal roles in England’s imposing totals.
From the West Indies perspective, Shai Hope’s reliability makes him a solid bet for top batting honors. Past attempts to back big-hitting lower-order players have faltered due to their late arrival in the innings or quick dismissals. Hope’s ability to build innings and adapt to conditions is vital for the Windies’ hopes of salvaging pride in the final match.
England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook has been effusive about his team’s approach, praising the contributions of young players and emphasizing a fearless batting philosophy. “We chased the score beautifully,” Brook told Sky Sports after the second T20I. “It gives us great confidence having Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton and Will Jacks at five, six and seven. The top order can go all out blazing.” This aggressive mindset has been a hallmark of England’s recent success and will likely continue in the series finale.
West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged the challenges but remains optimistic about finishing the tour on a high note. “I thought we were a few runs short,” he said post-match. “We have to try and bounce back, win the [final] game and finish the tour strong.” The Windies’ ability to regroup and harness their power-hitting talents will be crucial if they are to upset England’s rhythm and avoid a clean sweep.
As the cricketing world tunes in to the Rose Bowl, the final T20I promises a captivating contest. England will seek to cement their white-ball dominance with a clean sweep, while the West Indies will fight to restore pride and showcase their Caribbean flair. With a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young prospects on both sides, this match is set to deliver high drama, explosive batting, and compelling cricketing narratives.
Whether Jos Buttler can continue his top-scoring spree or Shai Hope can anchor a resilient West Indies innings remains to be seen. The pitch, conditions, and team strategies all point towards a high-scoring thriller, with momentum and morale playing pivotal roles. England’s depth and form give them the edge, but the West Indies’ unpredictability and power-hitting could turn the tide unexpectedly.
As the sun sets over Southampton, cricket fans await the final chapter of this series with bated breath, ready to witness the ebbs and flows of T20 cricket at its finest.
