BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

West Indies failed in their bid to complete a clean sweep as England held their nerve to record a consolation victory in an exciting finale to their three-match Twenty20 international series yesterday.

Set a challenging, but achievable, 166 to win, West Indies were propelled by Lendl Simmons who top scored with 69 and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin who got 33, as they finished five runs short of their target at Kensington Oval.

They required 17 from a nerve-jangling last over but despite a six from West Indies captain Darren Sammy (15 not out), the hosts just failed to get over the line, with six needed from the last delivery.

Ironically, Barbados-born seamer Christopher Jordan proved to be England's hero, snatching three for 39 from his four overs, including the crucial wicket of Ramdin in the penultimate over.

The spell followed up his explosive unbeaten 27 as England rallied 165 for six after winning the toss and opting to bat first in great conditions.

Opener Michael Lumb smashed 63 and partner Alex Hales chipped in with 38, in a 98-run stand off 65 balls, but England fell away badly at the end as the left-arm Jamaican seam duo of Krishmar Santokie (2-27) and debutant Sheldon Cottrell (2-37) picked up two wickets apiece.

Jordan then belted four sixes off seamer Dwayne Bravo's last over which cost 26 runs, to rally England at the death.