In a carnival like atmosphere, with the crowd jumping, cheering and gyrating each shot made by the Caribbean men, the Windies tallied a challenging 300 all out in 49.5 overs batting first, with Chris Gayle making a typical swashbuckling 79 runs from 58 balls. Gayle's opening partner Devon Smith made 61, and Marlon Samuels 51.

Brian Lara in his final game has captain of the West Indies went run out for 18, going for a run which was called by Samuels, but was not on. Samuels, was left in a sticky position, with Lara and the crowd that suddenly became mum.

Samuels, however, hit some sweetly timed strokes in all parts of the park, and the crowd quickly forgave him.

England captain and slow bowler Michael Vaughn (3-39) added stability to his side's bowling after the seamers were wayward in their approach.

England in reply looked as if they were out of sorts, three-quarters of the way, stuttering to 189-6.

Helped by a century (100) from Kevin Pieterson, and Paul Nixon 39; the two put on 80 runs for the seventh wicket to put their side in striking distance, and reached 301-9 with one ball to spare as the Super 8s stage climax in thrilling fashion.

Dwayne Bravo (2-47), and Jerome Taylor (2-65) took two wickets apiece.