Chasing a target of 181, England began aggressively as Phil Salt and Jos Buttler tore into the West Indies bowlers, racing to 58 without loss
20 June, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
England, the defending champions, comfortably defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in their T20 World Cup Super Eights clash at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia.
Chasing a target of 181, England began aggressively as Phil Salt and Jos Buttler tore into the West Indies bowlers, racing to 58 without loss. Buttler fell for 25 off 22 balls, courtesy of Roston Chase, and Moeen Ali departed soon after, managing only 13 runs.
Phil Salt, however, played a sensational innings, finishing unbeaten on 87 off just 47 deliveries, while Jonny Bairstow contributed a brisk 48 not out off 26 balls. Their partnership ensured England chased down the target comfortably in 17.3 overs, marking a strong start in Group 2 of the tournament.
Earlier, England's disciplined bowling restricted the West Indies to 180-4 in their allotted 20 overs. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, England initially struggled as West Indies openers Charles and Brandon King got off to a solid start. Despite King retiring hurt, the partnership continued to flourish with Charles and Nicholas Pooran steering the innings.
The West Indies seemed set for a formidable total at 82-0 halfway through their innings. However, Moeen Ali's breakthrough, dismissing Charles for 38 in the 12th over, shifted momentum. Rovman Powell's aggressive 36 off 17 deliveries threatened further damage, but Liam Livingstone's perseverance paid off as he eventually got Powell out.
Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid also chipped in with crucial wickets, containing the West Indies to 180-4. Despite Sherfane Rutherford's late cameo, Rashid's economical spell of 1-21 from four overs stood out as England's bowling highlight.
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