England goes up 2-0 in T20I series against West Indies as Jos Buttler shines in Barbados

England took a 2-0 lead in the T20I series against West Indies as Jos Buttler’s 83 off 45 balls helped them chase down 159 with ease, securing a seven-wicket victory in Barbados. After a strong bowling performance from Saqib Mahmood and Dan Mousley restricted the West Indies to 158 for 8, Buttler’s explosive innings carried England to the target with more than five overs to spare.

Batting first, West Indies stumbled early, with Mahmood striking twice in the powerplay, sending Brandon King and Roston Chase back to the pavilion. Jofra Archer then added to the pressure by dismissing Evin Lewis, leaving the hosts at 35 for 3 in the fourth over. Rovman Powell led the resistance with 43 off 41 balls, but despite brief support from Nicholas Pooran and a few late boundaries from Romario Shepherd and Matthew Forde, West Indies couldn’t put up a competitive score.

In response, England faced an early setback when opener Phil Salt was dismissed off the first ball by Akeal Hosein. However, Buttler and Will Jacks took control soon after, building a 129-run partnership in just 72 balls. Jacks scored 47 off 30 balls, hitting some powerful shots to push England’s score forward. Meanwhile, Buttler launched an onslaught, hitting eight fours and six sixes, reaching his half-century off 32 balls.

Though both Buttler and Jacks fell to Romario Shepherd’s bowling in the same over, England’s target was well within reach. Liam Livingstone finished things off, hitting four boundaries in 11 balls, and sealing the victory with a six.

England’s bowlers had set the stage for this win. Mahmood, continuing his fine form, claimed three powerplay wickets across the first two games, while Mousley also took his first international wicket by clean-bowling Powell with a precise yorker.

With this win, England lead the five-match series 2-0, with Buttler’s return to form and the bowlers’ impressive performances giving them a strong position in the series.